McPherson College has been shortlisted for the Youth Initiative of the Year Award at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards.
New this year, the award recognizes an individual or organization creating opportunities for young people to discover careers and lifelong passions within the classic and collector vehicle sector.
McPherson College is being recognized for its Automotive Restoration Technology program, which prepares young people to become craftspeople, historians, business leaders, and advocates who will sustain historic motoring. Through a distinctive bachelor’s degree that combines hands-on restoration with a liberal arts education, the college helps address the industry’s need for the next generation of skilled professionals.
The program’s Path to Pebble initiative demonstrated what students can accomplish through this approach. In 2023, students earned a Second in Class award at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with the college’s 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S restored by students.
McPherson College previously received the International Historic Motoring Awards’ Industry Supporter of the Year award in 2015.
The International Historic Motoring Awards celebrates excellence, innovation, and dedication across the global historic motoring community, recognizing individuals, clubs, organizations, and events that preserve, promote, and enrich motoring heritage.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Nov. 13, 2026, at The Peninsula London hotel. Leaders from the international motoring community will gather to celebrate contributions to preserving and promoting motoring history.
“Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is an honor,” said Amanda Gutierrez, vice president of automotive restoration and engineering. “It reflects the dedication and expertise of our faculty, staff, and students, who work every day to preserve automotive history and prepare the next generation of restoration professionals. We’re proud to see their work recognized alongside such distinguished nominees.”
The International Historic Motoring Awards are organized by Hothouse Media.