RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – The Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS) and the Henry and Esther Ortner Educational Foundation are currently offering scholarships to individuals demonstrating an eagerness to explore diesel technology and to develop those skills necessary for a career in the diesel industry.

The scholarships seek to recruit new students to diesel training programs at institutions participating in the ADS “TechSmart” program.

“The Ortner Foundation scholarships truly help those students who have the interest and excitement to begin a career in the diesel engine service industry,” said Tom Folmar, ADS president and CEO of Southeast Power Systems, Inc. based in Orlando, FL. “These scholarships help ensure the next generation of diesel technicians will have an opportunity to receive excellent training,” he added.

A total of 25 $750 scholarships will be awarded to students enrolling for the 2007-2008 school year. Twenty of these scholarships will be available to first year students and five will be available for second year students.

Since the inception of the program, more than 220 scholarships have been awarded totaling more than $100,000.

Students applying for a scholarship must be sponsored by a TechSmart School member or a current ADS member. Once the scholarship recipients are selected, the students and their sponsors will be recognized in Nozzle Chatter, the ADS newsletter.

Along with a letter of recommendation from their sponsor, students must submit a short essay describing why they are eager to study diesel engine technology and enter the diesel field.

The deadline for the 2007-2008 scholarship applications is Friday, June 29. The award winners will be notified by mail by Thursday, Aug. 31.

For more information and to apply, visit the ADS/Ortner Foundation website: http://www.diesel.org/ortnerfoundation/index.html.