WHO WE ARE

MISSION STATEMENT

The GMT Vocational Foundation helps students explore their potential in the skilled trades by building strong bridges between education and industry. Our mission is to close the skills gap through the Give Me TEN model—a simple, hands-on approach that invites businesses and professionals to donate just 10 hours of their time in a career pathway of their choice.

This work-based learning experience serves as the entry point to internships and apprenticeships, giving students real-world exposure, while grants, sponsorships, and community support make these opportunities accessible and sustainable.

VISION STATEMENT

The GMT Vocational Foundation envisions a future where every student gains career clarity through a 10-hour work-based learning experience that opens the door to internships and apprenticeships. By expanding awareness, fostering collaboration, and securing funding for these transformative learning opportunities, the Foundation unites schools, businesses, and communities to build the next generation of skilled professionals—one 10-hour experience at a time.

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OUR FOUNDER

SUE DICKSON

Sue Dickson is the founder of Give Me TEN, a nationally recognized work-based learning model that connects education and industry through 10-hour career experiences. After years in the automotive field as owner of Closs Tire & Auto in Waukegan, Illinois, Sue turned her focus to building stronger school-to-career pipelines. Since 2017, she has expanded Give Me TEN across multiple career pathways and states, presenting the model at numerous ACTE Vision Conferences nationwide, the Illinois College Automotive Instructors Association Conference, and regional workforce events. Her mission: to make work-based learning accessible and achievable for every student and community.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The GMT Vocational Foundation is led by a passionate team of educators, industry professionals, and community advocates committed to building tomorrow’s skilled workforce. Together, they guide the mission and vision of the Foundation—supporting initiatives like Give Me TEN, tool scholarships, and Earn & Learn programs that connect students, schools, and businesses in meaningful ways.

A man with short gray hair, a goatee, and earrings taking a selfie in an office with windows, desks, and a plant in the background.

JACK WILSON

A woman taking a selfie indoors, with a window showing a view of a parking lot and gym equipment outside.

SHAWN KELECKIAN

A middle-aged man with short gray hair, dressed in a dark pinstripe suit, white shirt, and red tie, smiling at the camera against a background with an American flag partially visible.

MARK STRICKLIN

ABOUT US

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The GMT Vocational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore careers through 10-hour work-based learning experiences that bridge education and industry.

Founded by automotive professional Sue Dickson, GMT grew from the success of the Give Me TEN model—a simple, scalable approach that invites businesses and professionals to donate just 10 hours of their time in a career pathway of their choice.

These short, hands-on experiences serve as the entry point to internships and apprenticeships, giving students real exposure to the world of work while helping employers build their future talent pipeline.

The Foundation is GATA certified by the State of Illinois and directly supports the Career Pathway Endorsement framework by helping schools strengthen relationships with local business partners through meaningful 10-hour experiences.
Together, we’re building tomorrow’s skilled workforce—one 10-hour experience at a time.