Submitted Photo Isabella Roll takes part in an activity at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.

WAHPETON – Minot native Isabella Roll, a student in collision engineering technology at North Dakota State College of Science, has been selected as one of only five students nationwide to receive a $2,500 BASF Refinish and TechForce Foundation “Techs for Tomorrow” Scholarship. The program, which received nearly 700 applications, recognizes outstanding collision repair students who demonstrate exceptional skill, passion and leadership in the industry, according to information from NDSCS.

As part of the award, Roll was invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to meet with industry experts and take part in professional development opportunities during the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA), one of the world’s largest automotive trade events. The Techs for Tomorrow program aims to celebrate the next generation of collision repair professionals and connect students with employers and mentors in the field.

“The trip to Las Vegas during the SEMA Show was incredible,” Roll said in a news release. “I got to network with mentors, industry leaders, innovators and technicians. It really inspired me and opened my eyes to all of the different opportunities that are available in collision repair and taught me how to be successful in this industry.”

In addition to Roll’s national recognition, the NDSCS Collision Engineering Technology program has been named a recipient of a Fujispray Paint Gun as well as a generous $10,000 Benchmark Grant from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), sponsored by State Farm. The competitive grant supports program improvements, equipment upgrades and student learning experiences across the country. NDSCS was one of a select group of institutions to receive this funding for 2025.

“We’re extremely proud of Isabella. To be chosen from nearly 700 applicants is a tremendous achievement, and it really highlights her drive and growing talent in the collision repair field. Seeing her come back from SEMA energized and full of new ideas has been exciting for all of us.” Jim Erdahl, NDSCS Collision Engineering Technology Program coordinator added in the release. “The Benchmark Grant funding will make a big impact on our program and will help us to continue to deliver high-quality hands-on training opportunities for our students.”