About
Since 1972, GM has provided leading opportunities to qualified minorities to help prepare them to become dealers and to help them succeed once they become dealers. GM is committed to "Changing the Face of Automotive Retail."
In support of this mission, the GM Minority Dealer Development (MDD) Scholarship Program is offered to help minority students of African American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent, interested in pursuing careers in automotive retail and/or automotive technology. There are many strong career opportunities in automotive retail, and we wish to encourage students interested in pursuing these career options.
Eligibility
Minority students of African American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent pursing academic degrees in automotive retail management and/or technical certification(s) in automotive technology are encouraged to apply. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded for the 2025-26 academic year.
The application deadline is April 15, 2025.
To be considered for a GM MDD scholarship, a student must meet all the following criteria:
- Must be a minority student of African American, Asian, Hispanic or Native American descent with a high school diploma or GED (as of fall 2025).
- Must be able to verify enrollment at the beginning of the 2025 fall term.
- Must be a citizen of the United States or have the ability to accept permanent employment in the US without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or non-traditional educational institution that offers formal programs or certifications in automotive retail and/or automotive service.
Application Process
As part of the online application you will be required to upload a 250 – 500 word personal statement addressing the following:
- Your interest and motivation to pursue a career in the automotive retail and/or automotive service sector.
- Why you should be considered for scholarship support.
- Any other information that may be of importance to the selection committee in their review of your application.
To complete your application, you must then:
- Provide a letter of recommendation from one of the following: a past/current employer, academic instructor/school official or community/civic leader. Your letter of recommendation must be signed and on official letterhead.
- Mail - or have your school mail - an officially signed transcript from your most recent educational institution. If this does not include one full year of grades, please also provide a transcript from your previous institution(s). We accept electronic transcripts from services like Credentials Solutions or Parchment which should be e-mailed to info@gmmddscholarship.com
- Send a copy of your FAFSA Financial Aid Summary showing your Student Aid Index (SAI).
Selection
Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of their academic performance, leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, career and educational aspirations, and on the strength of their personal statement. Financial need will also be taken into consideration.
All completed applications that are received by the program deadline will be reviewed against the program criteria by a selection process determined by the program administrators. All applicants will be notified by email of the selection committee decision. Decisions are final and binding.
Contact
GM MDD Scholarship Program
PO Box 648
Naperville, IL 60566
Tel: 630.428.2412
Fax: 630.428.2695
Email: info@gmmddscholarship.com