Strong partnerships between education and industry are helping students at Western Nevada College turn career dreams into reality. Among the college’s most impactful community partners is Campagni Auto Group, including Carson City Toyota, whose continued support is creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring automotive technicians.

Through its ongoing commitment to workforce development and student success, the Campagni Auto Group recently awarded $5,000 in scholarships to Western Nevada College students pursuing associate degrees and careers in automotive mechanics. The scholarships help remove financial barriers and allow students to focus on building the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in today’s automotive industry.

WNC President J. Kyle Dalpe said the partnership highlights the powerful role local businesses can play in strengthening education and the regional workforce.

“Campagni Auto Group has been a tremendous champion for Western Nevada College and for the students we serve,” Dr. Dalpe said. “Their generosity not only helps students stay focused on their education, it also strengthens the workforce pipeline for our region. When community partners invest in education, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.”

For many students, scholarships like these make the difference between delaying college and pursuing their goals today. Some recipients rely on the support to begin their education, while others are able to reduce work hours and devote more time to their studies.

Jeff Campagni, general manager of the Campagni Auto Group, said supporting students who want to build careers in their home communities is a natural fit for the company.

“We believe in investing in the people who make our communities strong,” Campagni said. “Western Nevada College is preparing students with real-world skills that lead to meaningful careers. If we can help remove a financial barrier and give someone the opportunity to pursue that path, that’s something we’re proud to support.”

The 2025-26 Dick Campagni Automotive Scholarship recipients are Michael Brito, Aidan Bullock, Luis Cardona, David King, Nestor Lopez, Erik Pedraza and Dakota Reed.

Campagni Auto Group’s support extends well beyond scholarships. Several years ago, the company partnered with WNC and the Nevada Department of Corrections to launch an automotive mechanics training program at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center. The program welcomed its first students in Fall 2023 through an Introduction to General Mechanics course, creating new opportunities for incarcerated individuals preparing to reenter the workforce. Campagni Auto Group also funds scholarships supporting WNC’s Higher Education in Prison program.

Their commitment to students continues through additional support of WNC initiatives, including the annual WNC Golf for Education Tournament, where the company donates hole-in-one prizes — including a $10,000 grand prize.

According to Niki Gladys, Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the Western Nevada College Foundation, partnerships like this demonstrate how community investment transforms student lives.

“Campagni Auto Group has created opportunities that extend far beyond a single scholarship,” Gladys said. “Their commitment to workforce education and student success continues to open doors for WNC students who are building meaningful careers and contributing to the future of our communities.”

For more information about the Western Nevada College Foundation or to establish a scholarship, contact the Foundation at 775-445-3240 or foundation@wnc.edu.