By: Tara Feeney
The 2024-2025 school year at McPherson College marked a record year for female enrollment in the Automotive Restoration program, with a total of 17 women enrolled. This marks a significant increase compared to past years. This increase follows a national trend, as more and more trade schools and colleges across the country celebrate historic female enrollment in their programs.
Part of the resurgence in interest in trade-oriented education is happening because it has become more socially acceptable for women to enter into male-dominated fields. In addition, the rising cost of tuition makes trade school more appealing.
While McPherson College does not have a specific percentage goal concerning enrollment, they are committed to increasing female representation in the program in the coming years. When Abigayle Morgan, Assistant Director of Automotive Restoration, was asked what long-term strategies the college has for attracting more women into the program, she said, “We focus on supporting every student—regardless of whether they are male or female. I personally believe that the best way to encourage more women in the field is through exposure and creating a sense of normalcy. It’s about making it normal for little girls to grow up loving cars and wanting to pursue careers in automotive restoration because they do! The quote ‘If you can see her, you can be her’ is something I stand by, and it’s why organizations like the Jessi Combs Foundation and WIMNA (Women in Motorsports North America) are so important. They show young women that this industry is a space where they belong and can thrive. We also try to highlight the success of our female graduates, like Zoe Carmichael, Kalila Haddad, and Victoria Bruno, who have made waves in the restoration field since completing the program.”
Part of the appeal of the Automotive Restoration program at McPherson College for not just prospective female students, but all students, is the ability to get a trade-oriented education while also being a part of a four-year program and receiving a bachelor’s degree. The AR program connects its students with incredible opportunities such as summer internships, but also provides them with a lifelong network of support.
Morgan also mentioned how special it is that the program is, in part, run by women. Both she Amanda Gutierrez, who is the Vice President for Automotive Restoration, work in the department. As trades continue to grow and become more diverse, programs like Automotive Restoration will stand out as an excellent option for both young men and women alike.
