A new scholarship program to help young people pursue a career in the 12 volt industry has launched in honor of the late Todd Ramsey, a gifted audio consultant and former leader of MECP, the Mobile Electronics Certified Professional program.
The scholarship is designed to help young people receive training and tools to pursue a career in car audio. The Todd Ramsey Scholarship Foundation was launched in November by Todd’s wife Judy Ramsey along with Bill Jackson, the former President and CEO of Rockford Corp. who is now Sr. Operations Business Advisor to Patrick Industries, which owns Rockford.
About fifteen scholarships will be awarded initially for 2025, each amounting to $1,000 or $2,000 towards training at MasterTech Expo and KnowledgeFest events, MECP certification, and training at other industry classes or formal training schools.
Judy said, “We’re looking for those starting out to help create a new generation of technicians and shop owners.” She added, “Todd was known as an excellent technician, brilliant instructor and a social connector too. The scholarship foundation wants to continue where he left off and honor his career.”
Specifically, the scholarship is aimed at high school seniors, or recent graduates or GED holders who show an interest in or aptitude for automotive electronics. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and a citizen of the US or Canada.
Judy will be in contact with vocational schools and other education centers to evangelize and promote the program. She was at the SEMA show this month to participate in the Student Program Networking Breakfast, where vocational students and instructors came to learn about opportunities in automotive.
She said, “I will continue to evangelize this scholarship to vocational and technical education programs in order to find as many qualified applicants to the scholarship as possible.”
“Without new individuals in the workforce, it will be nearly impossible to cultivate new and better technicians, successful shop operators, or even new component designers within this $10 billion industry,” she added.
Applicants for the scholarship can visit https://bold.org/scholarships/todd-ramsey-memorial-scholarship and click “Apply Now” to create a profile and complete an application. Please email [email protected] for additional details.
Thank you for promoting this, Amy! This is right in line with what we’re doing with SkillsUSA. The next generation of 12v enthusiasts, technicians, fabricators, installers and sales staff must be brought in and mentored.
Thank you Judy and Bill. This is a very fitting tribute to Todd, who loved this industry.
This is a great initiative that recognizes an industry leader and friend. Todd is smiling down on this!
I have forwarded this to the Volusia County Superintendent of schools! God, I hope I spelled Superintendent correctly!
Great idea!!!
Thank You for helping to spread the word about the legacy of our friend Todd. Nothing could be more fitting than what Judy and Bill have put together. I can’t wait to meet some of the technicians that this helps to get started in our industry!
I think this is a very fitting legacy for Todd, who deserves to have his name live on in this industry.
Amy- Thank you for the help in spreading the word about the program. During my visits with retailers, the single biggest request has been, “how do I find qualified people and retain them?” Our goal is to offer candidates resources and pathways to learning the tools of the 12v trade and building passion and expertise for the industry. Thank you again.
Bill
This is fantastic! Thank you Judy and Bill….