OREANDA-NEWS. The Ryder Charitable Foundation, which directs charitable giving and support on behalf of Ryder System, Inc., in four strategic pillars – expertise, innovation, safety, and community collaboration – today announced its $50,000 donation to SkillsUSA, a nonprofit partnership of students, instructors, and industry that ensures America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive. As part of Ryder’s giving strategy supporting expertise, this gift will help educate the next generation of commercial vehicle technicians by providing enhanced diesel technology labs (classrooms) and student scholarships.

“Ryder is proud to take the lead in committing to help grow the pool of qualified diesel technicians,” said Patrick Pendergast, Group Director of Recruiting Services, Ryder. “Through our partnership with SkillsUSA, we are investing in technological advancements and education, but ultimately, we are investing in the very people who have the power to influence the future of America’s commercial vehicle transportation industry.”

The classroom grants, up to $5,000 each, will support an enhancement to SkillsUSA diesel technology labs nationwide through the purchase of new equipment or tools. For many years to come, this will impact students who come through the programs selected to receive these grants. Additionally, up to 22 student scholarships totaling $22,000 will be awarded to SkillsUSA students who are continuing their education in Diesel Equipment Technology. SkillsUSA has more than 2,600 student members – 998 college/postsecondary and 3,635 high school members – who are enrolled in Diesel Equipment Technology in 258 classroom labs across the United States. 

A portion of Ryder’s donated funds will also go toward creating a SkillsUSA online scholarship and classroom grants portal to support a competitive application process.

“This generous sponsorship from Ryder presents an amazing opportunity for diesel classrooms to upgrade and purchase new equipment,” said Tim Lawrence, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “We are also thrilled that Ryder plans to provide student grants for those who plan to continue their education in Diesel Equipment Technology in community college after high school. This is a wonderful opportunity for diesel students and schools and we are very grateful to Ryder for their partnership and support.”

Ryder has the best technicians in the industry and values the importance of technical training for ensuring the quality maintenance of its more than 230,000 total vehicles managed, and a commitment to quality customer service for Ryder’s lease and maintenance customers. 

Ryder Charitable Foundation

Established in 1984, the Ryder Charitable Foundation demonstrates community and industry leadership and inspires trust by supporting causes that address needs in communities where Ryder does business in the United States. The Foundation proactively solicits proposals from and awards grants solely to IRS certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose goals align with Ryder’s core values in four strategic pillars – Expertise, Innovation, Safety, and Collaboration. 

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a vital solution to the growing U.S. Skills gap. This nonprofit partnership of students, instructors and industry ensures America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive. Founded in 1965 and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students and instructors each year in middle schools, high schools and colleges. This diverse talent pipeline covers 130 technical, skilled and service occupations, the majority STEM-related. More than 600 corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA at the national level. SkillsUSA programs are integrated into career and technical education through a framework of personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics. Local, state and national championships, planned and judged by industry, set relevant standards for career and technical education and provide needed recognition to its students. SkillsUSA also offers technical skill assessments and other workplace credentials.