Detroit Regional Chamber > Member News > HELLA Launches ‘HELLA Scholars’ Scholarship, Employment and Mentorship Program for High School Graduates

HELLA Launches ‘HELLA Scholars’ Scholarship, Employment and Mentorship Program for High School Graduates

July 14, 2017
 

In an effort to foster growth of the next generation of engineers, technologists and scientists, HELLA has commenced its first-ever renewable scholarship program. The lighting and electronics company’s unique offering, the HELLA Scholars Program, will award multiple $10,000 annual scholarships to qualifying high school seniors and current university students, as well as year-round career experience at the HELLA Corporate Center campus in Plymouth.

HELLA launched its pilot program with eight Scholar positions. Candidates were considered from a group of approximately 30 applicants, most of whom graduated this year from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and were involved in the district’s STEM Academy. These selected scholars began working side-by-side with mentors at HELLA this month.

“Investing in people and developing a strong pool of technical talent by giving them the tools they need to excel in their careers is a key focus at HELLA,” said Jörg Weisgerber, CEO of HELLA Electronics for North and South America. “This program allows us to invest in our community, and give the next generation of STEM professionals and, ultimately, future HELLA innovators, the opportunity to jumpstart their careers.”

With the Scholars program, HELLA is setting itself apart from other automotive companies that also have current talent needs exceeding the current workforce supply. By creating this scholarship to develop talent, HELLA is doing more than just talking about the issue – it is making a significant monetary investment to correct it.To ensure their time at HELLA is a success, students are matched up with HELLA mentors who will guide them through their career path in lighting, electronics, components and beyond.

“This truly is a fantastic opportunity for students who are committed to the STEM field,” said Nick Brandon, director of communications for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. “We’re privileged to collaborate with HELLA on this unique program and give our students a chance to not only secure financial support, but also paid, hands-on experience. We can’t wait to see the impact this program has on the lives of our graduating students.”

To be considered for the scholars program, selection criteria includes:

  • Showing proof of their acceptance to an accredited, local university (within reasonable commuting distance)
  • Achieving a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Attending college with the intent of obtaining a degree in a related STEM field
  • Successfully completing an interview with HELLA leadership

Beyond the criteria above, award recipients are required to commit to working at HELLA five to 40 hours per week (depending on their course load), year-round. Scholars receive between $12-17 per hour.

“I am thrilled to be part of this program where HELLA is offering so many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow in the business world,” said Grace Warmann, a 17-year-old HELLA Scholar from Plymouth. “This is an excellent way for us to gain experience in the workplace and understand how to apply the material we learn in school.”

HELLA plans to continue the program for new graduating seniors at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, with intentions of selecting up to five more students to join the program each year. Scholars already participating in the program will be encouraged to reapply annually for the $10,000 scholarship, which can be awarded for a maximum of $40,000 for four years of college tuition per student.

This is one of many initiatives the company plans to take on in the coming years as part of a renewed focus on building STEM education opportunities and bridging the talent gap in the automotive industry. If the program is deemed successful, the company will look at the potential to duplicate the project at other U.S. facilities in the future.

Note to Editors: This text and corresponding photo materials can also be found in HELLA’s press database at www.hella.com/press HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., Lippstadt: HELLA is a global, family-owned company, listed on the stock exchange, with approx. 35,000 employees at over 125 locations in some 35 countries. The HELLA Group develops and manufactures lighting and electronic products for the automotive industry and also has one of the largest retail organizations for automotive parts, accessories, diagnostics, and services within Europe. Complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems, and vehicle electrical systems also are produced in joint venture companies. With more than 6,000 people working in research and development, HELLA is one of the most important innovation drivers on the market. Furthermore, with sales of 6.4 billion euros in the fiscal year of 2015/2016, the HELLA Group is one of the top 40 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest German industrial companies.

For additional information please contact:

Company Contact

Dr. Markus Richter

Company spokesman

HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co.

Rixbecker Strasse 75

59552 Lippstadt

Germany

Phone: +49 2941 38-7545

Fax: +49 2941 38-477545

Markus.Richter@hella.com

www.hella.com

 

PR Contact

Brittney Popa

Eisbrenner Public Relations

Royal Oak, MI

Phone: (248) 554-3507

bpopa@eisbrenner.com

 

Nick Brandon

Director of Communications

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

Phone: (734) 416-2755

Nicholas.Brandon@pccsk12.com