The newly-created Kevin Phillips Scholarship will help pay for the costs of RV technician training at the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) for fresh high school graduates, those who have left the military, or people who have tried college but discovered it wasn’t appropriate for them.
As per the RV Industry Association (RVIA), through the program, financial support will not just help new technicians, but also increase the number of RV technicians, something the continuously growing industry needs.
“Last April, we lost a great leader, good friend, and colleague. At the time, many asked what they could do for Kevin’s family. I discussed an idea with his wife SeAnn, and we thought perhaps the best way to honor his legacy was to establish a scholarship in his name at the RV Technical Institute,” said Airxcel President & CEO Jeff Rutherford, who also serves as RV Industry Association Chairman and on the RVTI Board.
You all know Kevin was passionate about the RV industry, about his activities with the RV Industry Association, and his involvement in helping set up and establish RVTI. He was a true advocate for continual learning and saw vocational training as an alternative to the idea that everyone needs to go to college.”
Airxcel will be making an annual donation to help start the scholarship and continue to support it. The association hopes that other companies donate to the foundation, thereby increasing the number of technicians who can be educated. At present, the cost for a year of RVTI training is $300.
“This industry has provided so much to all of us. I encourage you to consider a contribution that will not only provide the industry with qualified technicians but that will also support the vision that Kevin helped create,” Rutherford continued. “There is a real opportunity here to build a much larger fund and make a long-term impact to the industry in Kevin’s honor.”
To contribute, you can send a check to RV Technical Institute, 3333 Middlebury Street, Elkhart, Indiana 46516.
The checks should be made out to RV Technical Institute. Please include “Kevin Phillips Scholarship” in the note section. RVTI is a 501-3C entity, so all donations count as a charitable tax deduction.