SAE/David Hermance Hybrid Technologies Scholarship

Established in 2007 through a generous contribution from Toyota, this scholarship was created in memory of the late David Hermance to recognize his contributions to hybrid and advanced technology vehicles in North America. Mr. Hermance was Executive Engineer for Advanced Technology Vehicles at the Toyota Technical Center in Gardena, California and was a major force behind the Prius hybrid. He was a "passionate advocate for the hybrid car" who testified before Congress about alternative-fuel vehicles.

Mr. Hermance didn't invent the gasoline-electric engine, but the Toyota executive made it palatable to a skeptical U.S. public. He dedicated his energies to championing this technology. Hermance joined Toyota in 1991 as a senior manager, then became a general manager in the company's powertrain department. Before that, he was with General Motors for a quarter-century, working on vehicle emissions and durability test development. Mr. Hermance died in 2006 when his aerobatic plane crashed off the Southern California coast. This scholarship is in honor of the man often called the "American father" of Toyota's popular Prius hybrid.

This scholarship recognizes the importance of Advanced Technology Vehicles which would include hybrids, fuel cells, alternative fueled vehicles, advanced powertrains, etc. Automobiles will play a key role in achieving sustainable mobility in the twenty-first century, and Toyota's mission will be to provide vehicles that customers can use with price and joy. This scholarship was established in support of the SAE Foundation to ensure an adequate supply of well-trained engineers for the future.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship (not permanent resident).
• College sophomore at the time of application.
• 3.50 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
• Pursue an engineering degree through an ABET accredited program.
• Enroll in a two- or four-year engineering or science program at an accredited college or university.

Terms of Scholarship:
One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded each year.

Application Deadline: February 15

How to Apply:

• Begin the application process online.
• If you are qualified, you will be prompted to continue the process and submit the following:
  • Official copy of your high school transcript
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Essay that addresses your interest in pursuing an engineering career in the field of advanced technology vehicles which include hybrids, fuel cells, alternative fueled vehicles, advanced powertrains, etc.
• All in information must be submitted by February 15.

Selection and Announcement of Recipient:

• Recipient will be selected by the SAE Scholarship Committee and notified by the end of June.
• Applicants not selected will be notified by the end of July.

Payment of Scholarship Funds:

• This scholarship will be paid into your account at your selected university in July/August.
• It can be used for tuition or any other incidental school expenses.

Terms for Renewal of Scholarship: This scholarship is not renewable.

Prior Recipients

Questions can be directed to:

SAE Scholarships and Loans Program
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096 USA
scholarships@sae.org