Scholarship Guidelines

A person using a laptop computer while working under the hood of a vehicle.

The Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education awarded 12 scholarships of $4,000 each in the spring of 2026.

The 2027 scholarship application will be available in December 2026.

Preference will be given to applicants who plan to attend an Iowa college or university. Scholarships may be awarded, in part, on financial need.

Prior scholarship recipients who have a 2.5 GPA may re-apply.

Fill out the scholarship application.

Scholarship Criteria

  1. Applicants must be committed to the pursuit of automotive-related studies, such as technician training, body shop/collision repair, diesel, new vehicle sales, parts sales, accounting, or business administration.
  2. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 1, 2027.
  3. Applicants must submit the following to be considered for a scholarship:
    1. A paragraph written by the applicant detailing their career goals and interest in pursuing an automotive career.
    2. A recommendation from a high school or college teacher, counselor, or co-worker.
    3. An unofficial transcript of high school or college grades.
    4. A copy of the applicant’s Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants without this will not be eligible for the scholarships based in part on financial need.
  4. An optional statement of support or recommendation from an IADA member dealership is recommended, but not required.
  5. Excluded from consideration are applicants whose parent is the designated dealer principal of a car or truck dealership.

Selection and Notification of Recipients

The Foundation’s selection committee will base its decision on the student’s interest and commitment to the automotive industry. An applicant’s interest will be measured by their enrollment in automotive studies (including related fields such as business, accounting, and marketing), being a current or prior employee of a dealership, or demonstrating a personal interest in automobiles.

The Foundation will select the recipients in April 2027. Alternates may also be chosen. 

The IAD Foundation for Education will not discriminate against any applicant in any matter that violates any state or federal law.