In addition to celebrating this year’s supplier award winners at the 2026 Partnership Event, NAPA surprised TechForce Foundation with a $500,000 donation.

“This marks a meaningful milestone in our commitment to strengthening the workforce and addressing the technician shortage,” said Huffaker. “NAPA is proud to support the next generation of technicians and invest in the future of our industry through our partnership with the TechForce Foundation.”

The longstanding partnership between NAPA and TechForce Foundation has included numerous scholarships, workforce development campaigns, and a shared mission to grow the next generation of automotive technicians.

Scholarships the organizations have partnered on include:

• The ongoing NAPA Network Scholarship
• The Carlyle MAX Impact Scholarship, which includes a toolbox for recipients
• NAPA, WD-40 Brand and TechForce Scholarship
• NAPA Techs for Success Scholarship

“It was such an incredible surprise that NAPA presented TechForce Foundation with this additional contribution. It’s one thing to say you support the skilled trades; it’s another to put your money where your mouth is and make a huge impact on the lives of future techs and industry,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “This significant investment will enable TechForce to bolster its work helping students to pursue a technical career, from accessing schools, scholarships, wraparound services, apprenticeships and jobs. It truly shows their commitment and leadership to championing the skilled technician workforce.”