Glenwood Native Funds $1M MCC Scholarship

Scholarship aims to 'pull down some barriers' for students in automotive technology programs

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rod Rhoden, a Glenwood native and entrepreneur, has pledged an initial $1 million to fund a scholarship at Metropolitan Community College for students enrolled or planning to enroll in the school's Automotive Technology programs. The scholarship, called the Rod's Tech Team Scholarship, is open to qualifying students and could be awarded to nearly 50 students per year.

Why it matters

The scholarship is expected to help make automotive technology education more accessible for students who may have thought they couldn't afford it, potentially unlocking opportunities for those looking to change careers or start a new path. With high demand for automotive technicians projected in the coming years, the scholarship could help fill a critical workforce need.

The details

The scholarship is funded through Rhoden's Foundation and is not tied to his own dealerships. Rhoden, now 82, remembers receiving a scholarship himself when he was younger, and wants to pay that forward to help students overcome financial barriers. MCC instructor Bob Gentleman, who previously worked as a Master Technician for Rhoden, says the scholarship can 'pull down some barriers for students' and appeal to those unsatisfied in their current jobs who want to pursue a hands-on career.

  • The initial $1 million pledge was made in 2026.

The players

Rod Rhoden

An 82-year-old Glenwood native and entrepreneur who has pledged $1 million to fund a scholarship at Metropolitan Community College for students in automotive technology programs.

Bob Gentleman

An instructor at Metropolitan Community College who previously worked as a Master Technician for Rhoden, and helped discuss how Rhoden could support students.

Metropolitan Community College

A community college in Omaha, Nebraska that offers automotive technology certificate and associate degree programs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can start a career without education. And, about three or four years in, you'll need that education to move forward.”

— Bob Gentleman, Instructor, Metropolitan Community College

“I've been fortunate. And I realize it now. You get a little older and you realize it - how fortunate you were.”

— Rod Rhoden

What’s next

The scholarship has already gone to 15 students and is expected to reach as many as 50 students per year.

The takeaway

This scholarship demonstrates how a successful local entrepreneur can give back to the community and help make technical education more accessible, potentially opening up new career paths for students who may have thought they couldn't afford it. It's a model that could inspire other businesses to support their local community colleges and vocational programs.