Helping Automotive Technicians Access the Training They Deserve
our story
Supporting the Future of Automotive Repair
The HAT Foundation, Helping Automotive Technicians, is a Florida non-profit corporation created for one purpose. It helps skilled automotive technicians attend training expos and educational events they otherwise could not afford. As vehicles grow more complex, the cost of quality training keeps climbing. Talented technicians shouldn't be priced out of the education their careers depend on; we exist to help remove that barrier.
Our Mission
The HAT Foundation provides free admission to automotive aftermarket training expos and educational events for technicians who want to keep learning but can't afford the registration costs.
We accept donations from corporations and individuals and direct those funds toward respected industry training events. Each event's leadership then decides which technicians receive the sponsored admissions. By helping deserving technicians attend valuable training, we support continued education, strengthen the automotive workforce, and invest in the future of the automotive repair industry.
Why Technician Training Matters Now
The automotive repair industry is changing faster than at any point in its history. The vehicles arriving in service bays today are rolling networks of software and sensors. The skills required to diagnose and repair them are evolving just as quickly.
Technicians are now expected to master the following:
Electrification
Hybrid and electric drivetrains, high-voltage battery systems, and the safety procedures that come with them.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Camera, radar, and sensor calibration that must be precise to keep drivers safe.
Complex vehicle networks
The interconnected modules and communication systems that control nearly every function of a modern car.
Evolving diagnostic strategies
New tools, new software, and new procedures that change with every model year.
Keeping pace requires ongoing, hands-on education. But high-quality training programs, industry conferences, and trade expos carry real costs, registration, travel, and time away from the bay. For many capable technicians, those costs put the best training out of reach. That's the gap the HAT Foundation was built to close.
02
How the HAT Foundation Works
We believe donors deserve to know exactly how their contributions are used and who benefits from them. Here is how the process works, start to finish.
01
How Donations Are Used
Contributions from individuals and businesses are directed toward admission costs for technicians attending approved industry training events. Donors may designate the specific automotive trade show or training exposition they would like their contribution to support. Those funds are then provided to the event to help cover admission for technicians who want to attend but can't afford the registration.
02
How Technicians Are Selected
Technicians apply through the participating event, and the individuals who would benefit most from the opportunity are chosen to receive sponsored admissions.
03
Who Makes the Decision
The HAT Foundation does not choose who receives donated admissions; the events do. Each participating trade show or training exposition uses its own board or selection committee to review applicants and award the sponsored tickets.
This independence is intentional. The organizations that create and run these programs understand their own training communities better than we could. They are therefore best positioned to identify the technicians who will benefit most. It also keeps the process fair: the foundation and its donors fund the opportunity, but never hand-pick the recipients.
Events and Organizations We Support
The HAT Foundation directs support toward organizations with a demonstrated, long-standing commitment to automotive education.
The interconnected modules and communication systems that control nearly every function of a modern car.
Evolving diagnostic strategies
VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo
VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo is one of the premier automotive training events in North America. It brings together technicians, educators, shop owners, and industry professionals for advanced technical education and hands-on learning.
Presented by the Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA), VISION has delivered automotive training for more than 30 years. Its programs focus on the latest automotive technologies, diagnostic strategies, and repair procedures. We help more technicians gain access to this experience.
ASTA
The Automotive Service & Tire Alliance (ASTA) offers educational opportunities designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of automotive professionals. Its commitment to technician development helps build a more knowledgeable, capable workforce through training, resources, and industry connections. The HAT Foundation is proud to support technician participation in ASTA educational events.
The interconnected modules and communication systems that control nearly every function of a modern car.
Evolving diagnostic strategies
VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo
TOOLS
TOOLS is an automotive aftermarket training conference and trade show hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Auto Care Alliance (MAACA) in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It brings technicians, shop owners, and service advisors together for hands-on technical training, management education, and a vendor showcase of the latest tools and technology. The HAT Foundation helps make attending more accessible to technicians who might otherwise miss out.
SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is one of the largest and most influential automotive events in the world, bringing together professionals, innovators, manufacturers, and enthusiasts from across the industry. Beyond vehicle innovation and aftermarket advancements, SEMA offers valuable opportunities for education, networking, and professional growth. We support technician access to events like SEMA because exposure to new technology, industry trends, and professional connections strengthens the entire automotive community.
Who We Are
The HAT Foundation is a Florida non-profit corporation headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. We were founded by automotive industry professionals who believe that supporting technician education is a direct investment in the future of automotive service.
The Foundation is led by Executive Director Paul Donahue, alongside officers Nick Tomoff and Matthew Schwarz. Our work is built on collaboration between automotive businesses, industry supporters, the non-profit organizations that host training events, and the technicians who believe in lifelong learning.
Principal Office: 360 Central Ave., Suite 800, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Ways to Give
Every contribution helps a technician access training that advances their career and improves the service they provide to vehicle owners.
Individual Donors
Whether you're a technician who has benefited from good training, a shop owner, or simply someone who values skilled trades, your gift creates real opportunities. You may designate the event you'd like your contribution to support.
Corporate Sponsors
Equipment providers, suppliers, and automotive businesses can make a lasting impact by sponsoring technician admissions. Supporting technician education strengthens the workforce your business depends on. Contact us to discuss corporate giving and event sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who selects the technicians who receive donated admissions?
The board or selection committee of each participating event selects the technicians who receive donated admissions. The HAT Foundation does not make those selections; event leaders review applicants and award sponsored admissions to the technicians they believe will benefit most.
Can I choose which event my donation supports?
Yes, donors may designate the automotive trade show or training exposition they want their contribution to support.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
The HAT Foundation is a Florida non-profit corporation. We are in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and donations are not yet tax-deductible. We will update this page as soon as our tax-exempt status is confirmed. Please consult your tax advisor with any questions about your contribution.
How is my contribution used?
Contributions go toward covering admission costs for technicians attending approved industry training events.
Support the HAT Foundation
The future of automotive repair depends on skilled technicians who have access to the education and resources they need to succeed. Whether you're an automotive business, an equipment provider, an industry professional, or an individual supporter, your contribution creates more opportunities for technicians to attend these events. Those experiences help technicians stay connected to the training that shapes our industry.
Help us invest in the technicians who keep the world moving.
