Lithia & Driveway is spreading some wealth to help create the next generation of American automotive technicians.

The dealership group, which operates more than 450 locations in three countries, has contributed a total of $550,000 to automotive education programs nationwide as part of its Helping Drive the Future initiative, with 11 colleges and universities receiving $50,000 donations for new equipment, technology and other curriculum needs to support students with an interest in the auto industry.

“The next generation of Lithia & Driveway employees are currently enrolled in these programs,” LAD CEO Bryan DeBoer said. “We’ve built our business on the idea of growth powered by people, and supporting automotive programs in our communities is a natural extension of that philosophy.”

The programs receiving donations are:

NEWTech Prep, Spokane, Wash.

Sheridan Technical College, Hollywood, Fla.

Robert Morgan Technical College, Miami

SUNY Morrisville, Morrisville, N.Y.

OHM BOCES, New Hartford, N.Y.

Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis

Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount, Minn.

Advanced Institute of Technology, Virginia Beach, Va.

Rogue Community College, Medford, Ore.

University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska

King Tech High School, Anchorage, Alaska

LAD said the funding will help the institutions increase their students’ career readiness while providing them with hands-on, real-world experiences alongside Lithia dealers and employees — in addition to monetary support, LAD provides job shadowing opportunities and hosts networking events, as well as prioritizing hiring interns and full-time employees from those schools.

Nearly 50 Lithia dealerships in each of the communities have worked directly with students throughout the month, the company said, participating in networking events and on-site check presentations.

LAD said the donations illustrate its commitment to giving back to the community and investing in future talent.