About
The retail automotive business offers exciting opportunities and challenges. Once regarded as "a man's business," today some 1000 women in the US are successful dealer owners / operators; and many more have found very satisfying careers as Executive Managers / Directors and staff employees in sales, service and parts operations within dealerships. The Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program, sponsored by the GM Women's Retail Network, is intended to increase opportunities for women in automotive retail. We encourage all interested women to apply.
Eligibility
Traditional high school students, non-traditional students, and GM dealership employees, in the US or Canada, pursuing academic degrees in automotive management, business, and technical certification in automotive education are encouraged to apply. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year in amounts up to $5,000.
The application deadline is April 15, 2025.
To be considered for a GM Women's Retail Network Drive to Succeed Scholarship, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be female 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 Canada if attending Georgian or Centennial College), or have the ability to accept permanent employment 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; or, currently employed at an automotive dealership and studying in an area that will advance your career within automotive retail.
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 receive notification of the selection committee decision. Decisions are final and binding.
Application Process
Begin your application process by selecting the Apply tab above.
As part of the online application you will be required to upload a 1-2 minute personal video 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 a GM dealership if possible. Otherwise, please provide a letter from a past/current employer, academic instructor/school official or community/civic leader. Your letter must be on letterhead and signed by your recommender.
- 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 wrnscholarshipinfo@gmsac.com
Contact
GM WRN Drive to Succeed Scholarship Program
PO Box 648
Naperville, IL 60566
Tel: 630.428.2412
Fax: 630.428.2695
Email: wrnscholarshipinfo@gmsac.com