PepsiCo Scholar Takes Her Automotive Skills to The Great Race

July 13, 2026

Posted by STLCC in Student Resources 

About a month after crossing the stage at St. Louis Community College commencement, Denia Adams hit the road as part of the X-Cup Legacy Team in The Great Race. Traveling with classmates and instructors, Adams and other classic car aficionados took a 10-day tour of historic Route 66, leaving from Springfield, Ill., with a final destination of Pasadena, Calif.

Adams’ path to becoming a college graduate has had detours and stops along the way, but the road ahead is looking brighter. She credits her success to her family, the supportive faculty and staff at STLCC, and the PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program.

Adams recently graduated from STLCC with an associate degree in automotive technology. Before enrolling at STLCC-Forest Park, she studied engineering at another higher education institution. Due to financial challenges, she had to step away. Then Adams saw a flyer about an automotive program that offered support for students earning certifications and degrees.

She thought, “Why not?”

Following Her Path in Automotive Technology

Adams has always been good with her hands. She enjoys solving problems, working on things and figuring out how machines operate. Adams already had an interest in cars. She owned an older vehicle and had always wanted to work on it and make modifications. The problem was that she did not have anyone to teach her.

Automotive technology gave her the chance to learn by doing.

Through the program, Adams built technical skills and gained confidence. She learned more about how vehicles work and how to solve mechanical problems, skills she hopes to build on when she pursues her next degree, a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

In the meantime, Adams is taking a gap year and looking to secure employment in the automotive industry.

But she does not see herself only working under the hood all day. She describes herself as a people person. The Metro High School graduate is interested in positions that connect technicians and service writers, roles where she can understand the repair work while also helping people.

Support That Made a Difference

For a student balancing school, finances and career goals, support is critical.

For Adams, the PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program helped her continue her education, but it was not only about financial assistance. It was also about having people in her corner.

She first learned about the scholarship through Vanyah Moore, who was also Adams’ teacher in seventh grade and is now a manager in the TRIO program. TRIO helps students overcome barriers to higher education through federally funded initiatives.

Along with counselor Lucas Fischer, Moore recognized Adams as a strong candidate and introduced her to the PepsiCo Foundation scholarship.

Adams shared that Moore was persistent and made sure she did not miss out.

“She would remind me to check the scholarship website and keep watching for when the application opened,” Adams recalled. “Ms. Vanyah encouraged me to apply and helped me understand that the PepsiCo Foundation scholarship was a great opportunity, especially for students in my degree program.”

That encouragement paid off. Adams received the scholarship and gained a network of support.

“[The TRIO team] helped me think about my goals and possible career paths,” Adams explained. “If I was interested in marketing, manufacturing, automotive work or another area, I knew there were people looking out for me and other students and helping us find opportunities.”

That kind of support made her feel seen and encouraged.

“Having someone who cares about your best interest is not something you find everywhere,” she continued. “But I found it at [STLCC] Forest Park.”

Taking Her Skills to The Great Race

Adams’ automotive experience has also taken her beyond the classroom. She recently participated in The Great Race, an event that brings together automotive history, teamwork, navigation and competition.

The race is not just about driving fast. In fact, Adams explained that it is more about direction, timing and strategy.

“Participants are given a paper map with directions,” she explained. “We cannot simply rely on phones. We have to follow the route, calculate timing and stay on track. The goal is to see who can complete the course with the best timing and sense of direction.”

For Adams and her team, the race is also about something bigger: teamwork and keeping tradition alive.

She explained that fewer young people are entering the field of automotive restoration. By participating, students gain experience, build their networks and help bring attention to an important part of automotive history.

In addition to seeing the country along historic Route 66, Adams also received an additional reward for her participation: a $1,500 scholarship.

Driving Toward What Comes Next

Adams’ story shows what can happen when talent, support and opportunity come together.

She began with an interest in solving problems and working with her hands. She faced financial challenges but found a new path through automotive technology. With encouragement from mentors and support from the College and PepsiCo Foundation Scholars Program, she was able to keep moving forward.

Now, as a graduate and Great Race participant, Adams is gaining experiences that will help shape her future.

Her story is a reminder that scholarships do more than pay for school. They can help students stay focused, build confidence and take advantage of opportunities they may not have had otherwise.

For Denia Adams, the road ahead is full of possibility, and she is ready for what comes next.