San Juan College student Carl Cuthair has been awarded a prestigious $20,000 scholarship to support his education in the Mopar Career Automotive Program (MCAP).
Cuthair, employed at TruWest Chrysler Dodge Jeep® Ram dealership in Cortez, is one of only three Native American students across the U.S. and Canada to receive this significant scholarship.
Scholarship Provided by Stellantis and Jeep Brand
This scholarship is funded by Stellantis in partnership with the Jeep Brand, Mopar CAP, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Its goal is to help Native American students with tribal membership in the U.S. and Canada become certified automotive service technicians through the Mopar CAP program.
Award Ceremony at San Juan College
On September 17, 2024, Kelly Faley, Stellantis relationship manager, along with Jeep brand representatives, officially presented Cuthair with the scholarship at the San Juan College School of Trades and Technology.
Scholarship Requirements
To qualify for the Mopar CAP scholarship, recipients must meet several criteria, including:
- Completion of an application
- A personal letter explaining their financial need
- Letters of recommendation
- Participation in an interview process
- Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Enrollment in a Mopar CAP program
The scholarship funds are used to cover tuition and essential tools for the students.
Supporting Indigenous Students in STEM
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our Native American students," said Troy Brown, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology at San Juan College. "We are thrilled for Carl and deeply appreciate the generosity of Stellantis and Jeep in supporting his education."
AISES, founded in 1977, promotes STEM careers among Indigenous people and has been offering scholarships since 1981. To be eligible, students must be AISES members, which is available at no cost.
Jeep Brand’s Commitment to Diversity
The Jeep brand supports the Indigenous Cultural Opportunity Network (ICON), a business resource group within Stellantis. Through this partnership, the necessary funding for the scholarship was secured.
"Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, we are committed to supporting initiatives that provide scholarships for Native American students," said Bob Broderdorf, Senior Vice President of Jeep Brand North America. "These scholarships help students from underrepresented backgrounds pursue rewarding careers in the automotive industry."
