CDK and National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers Announce 9th Annual Fueling Careers Scholarship Program
Program honors academic excellence, leadership skills and community engagement among minority students pursuing higher education
CDK, the leading automotive retail software provider, together with the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), announced that the ninth annual “Fueling Careers” scholarship program is accepting applications through May 9. The scholarship program was established to support ethnic minority high school students of dealership employees who demonstrate financial need in their pursuit of a college education.
The “Fueling Careers” Scholarship Program, funded by CDK, will once again award five (5) $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors entering an accredited college or university. NAMAD members can select dealership employees to participate in the program.
“CDK is dedicated to supporting ambitious young individuals in their pursuit of educational goals that prepare them for meaningful and productive careers. It has been truly inspiring to learn about our past recipients and their unwavering determination to achieve their dreams, and I am eager to see where their career aspirations will lead them,” said Kathy Gilbert, Senior Director of Minority Dealers and Women Retail at CDK. “Collaborating with NAMAD has been crucial in enhancing the lives of students and their families, empowering them to contribute significantly to society.”
CDK introduced the program in 2017 and has awarded $330,000 in scholarships to outstanding recipients. The initiative demonstrates the shared commitment of CDK and NAMAD to help build strong leaders and nurture a hearty pipeline of minority talent for the next generation. Previous recipients have attended, and are currently attending, universities throughout the United States.
“We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to help shape the future talent in the automotive industry. Supporting our minority dealer community has been a key priority for both NAMAD and CDK. Through this scholarship program, we are paving the way for outstanding students within our minority dealer network to thrive,” said Perry Watson IV, NAMAD president.
The scholarship application and award process will be managed by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), and award recipients will be selected based upon both academic merit and financial need. Dealership managers with high school students will complete an online application and must satisfy all eligibility requirements. Applications and program information can be found at https://programs.applyists.com/fuelingcareers/. Student applications will be accepted through May 9, 2025.
About CDK Global, Inc.
CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) across automotive and related industries. The Company’s cloud-based, software as a service (“SaaS”) platform enables dealerships to manage their end-to-end business operations including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. By automating and streamlining critical workflows, the integrated platform of modern solutions enables dealers to sell and service more vehicles by creating simple and convenient experiences for customers and improves their financial and operational performance.
About the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers
The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers’ (NAMAD) objective is to pursue the meaningful presence and participation of minority businesses and diverse employees across all aspects of the automotive economic sector, including:
- Increasing the number of minority-owned dealerships in communities across
America. - Advocating workplace and supplier diversity in the automotive manufacturing
environment. - Supporting minority engagement in the automotive retail sales and service sectors.
We are committed to developing strategic relationships and advocating for the advancement of business policies and practices that ensure diversity and economic parity remain a priority in all aspects of the American automotive industry.
NAMAD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area. For information on National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers visit https://namad.org/.
About International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS)
Founded in 1985, International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. provides comprehensive scholarships, grants, tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement program management. ISTS is a 100% women-owned company, focused on offering innovative technology and sustainable solutions to corporations, foundations, associations, unions, and other scholarship-granting organizations worldwide. For more information about ISTS, visit https://www.applyists.com/.
Media Contact:
Lisa Finney
947-500-8992
Lisa.Finney@cdk.com
