Rosedale Technical College and #1 Cochran recently celebrated the first anniversary of the exciting philanthropic partnership between two of the top Pittsburgh organizations in their respective categories. The inaugural year has brought much positive growth, including the transformation of Rosedale Tech’s automotive and collision repair lab spaces, which are now known as the #1 Cochran Technological Excellence Center. Thanks to the support of the philanthropic partnership, the lab spaces have received an impressive facelift with new colors and branding both inside and outside the College facilities.
In addition to cosmetic changes, the philanthropic partnership has also brought new equipment and technologies into the programs, such as quarterly donations of used vehicles. One of the most recent vehicle donations includes a 2024 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Premium with a powerful 5.0L V8 engine, valued at $61,000. This donation was a collaborative effort between #1 Cochran and Ford Motor Company. Another recent vehicle donation from #1 Cochran and Hyundai includes a 2022 Hyundai Elantra N. Vehicles donated by #1 Cochran include a 2010 Subaru Forester, a 2012 Chevy Sonic, a 2008 Jeep Patriot, a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavour, and a 2006 Honda CR-V.
While the renovated space and the new equipment have been exciting changes to the College campus, the crown jewel of the partnership has been the financial impact #1 Cochran’s philanthropic efforts have made for aspiring technicians. This partnership is a result of #1 Cochran’s philanthropic mission to provide scholarship opportunities for high school and career and technical students. During the inaugural year, #1 Cochran has awarded $128,500 in scholarship funding to individuals interested in pursuing a trade through its scholarship program. The scholarship program includes scholarships that range between $5,000 and $15,000. 2024 scholarship recipients will be announced soon!
Students aspiring to become automotive and collision repair technicians have also had the opportunity to apply for #1 Cochran’s Techcellence Program, an apprentice-style program that allows students accepted into the program to gain valuable industry experience and mentorship at a #1 Cochran facility while completing school. In addition to the learning experience, students in the Techcellence program also receive a paycheck for the hours they work, a lunch stipend, and other program benefits. This program has also led students to full-time positions within the company following graduation.
As we reflect on this past year, we’re immensely grateful for our incredible partnership with #1 Cochran. This partnership exemplifies what can be achieved when industry leaders and educational institutions come together to invest in the next generation of talent.
Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and shared success!