At Sonic, we’re passionate about empowering the next generation of skilled technicians, and our Sonic Impact Scholarship program is proof. It’s a commitment to students in automotive, aviation, and manufacturing trades, providing them the essential tools to succeed in school and career without worrying about the financial burden of acquiring professional-grade equipment.
Why Sonic Launched the Scholarship
Across the U.S., technician shortages are impacting critical industries, from aviation maintenance to automotive repair and manufacturing. Sonic recognizes that while education is key, access to high-quality tools is equally vital. By partnering with technical educators and industry professionals, Sonic ensures that recipients receive thoughtfully curated toolsets tailored to their trade—tools that align with their coursework and future responsibilities.
Our goal is straightforward: invest in the future of skilled trades by enabling students to focus on their education and career growth, not on tool-related debt.
Values That Drive Us: P.A.C.E.
At the heart of our program are Sonic’s core values, which we call P.A.C.E:
- Passion – Genuine enthusiasm for the craft.
- Accountability – Taking responsibility and ownership in work.
- Collaboration – Working well with others to achieve excellence.
- Experience – Striving to deliver outstanding outcomes, whether for peers, instructors, or future employers.
Our scholarship is designed for students who embody these PACE principles and aspire to make a meaningful impact in their industries.
What You’ll Receive
A Complete Professional Toolset + Toolbox, Tailored to Your Trade
Each of the 10 scholarship winners receives:
- A comprehensive tool package specifically curated for their discipline (automotive, aviation, or manufacturing), vetted by Sonic in collaboration with technical instructors and industry peers
- A high-quality toolbox, such as the NEXT S9, for durable and organized tool storage.
These packages offer real, job-ready tools that will follow recipients from shop classes to the shop floor and beyond.
Scholarship Timeline & Awards
In 2025, Sonic is awarding 10 scholarships: five in June and five in November. The deadline to apply for November awards is October 31, 2025.
Applications are open now — whether you’re entering a program or already in-school, you’re eligible to apply each cycle with fresh application materials.
How to Apply
It’s easy to enter, and here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of Enrollment: Student ID or current class schedule in an accredited automotive, aviation, or manufacturing program
- Letter of Recommendation from Instructor: A letter providing context and contact info for verification
- 500‑word Essay: Demonstrate how you embody the P.A.C.E. values and explain “How you will make an impact”
- 60–90‑second Video: Highlight “How Sonic will impact my career”
Your submissions will be reviewed by Sonic’s team. Selected finalists may be contacted for additional information. Winners will be notified directly by the Sonic team.
Celebrating the Summer 2025 Winners
As of June 24, 2025, Sonic announced the first five winners of the first inaugural scholarship:
Aviation Students
- Sydney Pursifull, School of Missionary Aviation Technology (Ionia, MI)
- Joseph Reid, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Hagerstown, MD)
- Aaron Insua, National Aviation Academy (Clearwater, FL)
- Kevin Farris, Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Duluth, GA)
Each received the 263-piece Intermediate Aviation Toolset packed in a Next S9 Toolbox.
Automotive Student
- Creed Crocket, Universal Technical Institute (Irving, TX) – awarded the 255-piece Basic Automotive Toolset in a Next S12 XD Toolbox.
These students stood out for their academic excellence and strong alignment with P.A.C.E., representing the future of skilled trades. Colby McConnell, our CEO, said: “By providing professional‑grade tools, we’re investing in their ability to focus on learning and skill development rather than the financial burden…”
Looking Ahead: Fall 2025 Cycle
The November 2025 round is your next opportunity:
- Deadline: October 31, 2025
If you or your student applied for our first round of scholarships, you can apply again with updated materials for a fresh perspective. There’s no minimum GPA requirement; Sonic evaluates holistic potential, including soft skills and drive.
Join Us in Building a Stronger Future
The Sonic Impact Scholarship isn’t just about tools — it’s about building confidence, reducing the financial burden, and fueling career readiness. With professional-grade toolsets and support rooted in real industry experience, recipients are set up to thrive, from classroom training to their first day on the job and beyond.
Are you ready to fuel your future? Apply now!
For full details and the online application portal, visit: sonictoolsusa.com/scholarship
Together, we can shape a stronger, more skilled technical workforce—one toolset and one student at a time.
