This 10-week, full-time, paid summer internship program is designed to introduce students representing minority communities to the many career opportunities within the NASCAR industry. Internships are offered by NASCAR offices, sponsors, licensees, teams, tracks and broadcast partners. Over 130 interns from across the country have participated in the program since its inception in 1999. Through their internship experiences, several of these students have earned full-time positions. More information is available at www.diversityinternships.com.

NASCAR has a supplier diversity and minority vendor program to foster a more diverse supplier base. The program invites women and minority-owned businesses to be considered equally as subcontractors and suppliers for all goods and services purchased at NASCAR. NASCAR is a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and is working closely with the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council to further enhance the program.

In a program announced in February, NASCAR will collaborate with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to increase the number and quality of job opportunities for African-American students in key racing and other related automotive business activities. A Congressional Resolution was passed supporting the NASCAR-HBCU Consortium. The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor and other appropriate agencies of the federal government will provide assistance and support to ensure the success of this effort.

NTI is a partnership between NASCAR and the Universal Technical Institute, Inc., that provides training necessary to excel as an entry-level automotive service technician, with additional training provided for the skills needed to enter the motorsports industry. The school awards diversity scholarships with funding provided by UPS; some graduates have gone on to work with race teams in the industry.

NASCAR provides funding for scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions. These scholarships help nurture new talent and raise awareness of the industry’s efforts to increase diversity and attract the best minds in America. All scholarships are given in tribute to former NASCAR driver Wendell Scott. Scott competed from 1961 to 1972, in what was then known as the Grand National Division (currently known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series), and became the first African-American driver/owner to win a NASCAR race with his 1964 victory in Jacksonville, Florida.

In addition to developing and supporting these important initiatives that encourage diversity throughout the industry, NASCAR has a Diversity Council and an Executive Steering Committee for Diversity. The Diversity Council is comprised of representatives from throughout the NASCAR industry, while the Executive Steering Committee is made up of executives from major corporations. Both bodies work to promote diversity at all levels of the sport and create meaningful opportunities for women and ethnically diverse people both on and off the track.