2026 applications now closed

The deadline for the 2026 scholarship is May 30, 2026.  Results will be shared by email mid-June.

Eligibility:
  • Applicant must be a current member of YANG.
  • The applicant’s employer must be an Auto Care Association member in good standing.
  • The scholarship applicants should have achieved success within their organizations through professionalism, hard work, dedication and remarkable abilities.
  • Applicants are examples of outstanding young professionals in the auto care industry.
  • The scholarship is open to anyone aged 39 or younger.
  • Winner is responsible for travel/hotel accommodations to each session. 

YANG Leadership 2.0 Scholarship

The Young Auto Care Network Group is accepting applications to award ONE deserving YANG member a scholarship to attend the highly-acclaimed University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 Program.

Leadership 2.0 is a post-graduate style leadership and business skills education program designed to promote the development of the next generation of auto care leaders. It is the industry's cornerstone educational program that fosters the development of a new generation of visionary auto care executives. The program is an intense and intellectually-challenging two-week executive development and learning experience deeply rooted in the theoretical and practical application of auto care leadership principles.

Graduates of the program receive 7.0 CEUs towards their Automotive Aftermarket Profession (AAP) designations. The scholarship is valued at $6,650 and covers the price of tuition, class materials and meals. 

The first session is scheduled for the week of August 9-13, 2026 at the Northwood University Campus in Midland, MI. The second session is planned to be held the

week of March 7-11, 2027, at a location to be announced.

 

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The Leadership 2.0 scholarship is generously funded by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation

Testimonials

  • Leadership 2.0 Scholarship Winner

    One of my biggest takeaways from the week was the power of building genuine relationships. A strong network means being willing to ask for help and learning from each other. You never know where a conversation or connection may lead.

    Troy HenkeFY26/27 Leadership 2.0 Program
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The Next Step Program

The Next Step Program offers young industry professionals the unique opportunity to develop lasting involvement in the auto care industry by experiencing and participating in Auto Care Connect Week.

Deadline for submitting applications was Friday, March 6, 2026.

Next Steppers have the opportunity to participate in up to 25 meetings and network with over 450 veteran industry leaders during the course of this three and a half day program. Next Steppers will experience up-close how the association and various aspects of the industry work.

The 2026 Next Step Program winners will receive free registration to the 2026 Auto Care Connect and an additional night stay in Atlanta, GA. Click here for more information on the 2026 Auto Care Connect. 

Each Next Stepper will receive a scholarship of up to $2,000 to offset most expenses for travel and accommodations to, from and during the event. Most meals are also included.

NOTE: All Next Step Program winners must arrive in time to attend the Next Step Orientation on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST and stay the entirety of the 2026 Auto Care Connect, concluding on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.

2026 applications now closed

The deadline for the 2026 scholarship is Friday, March 6, 2026.  Results will be shared by email early-April.

Testimonials

  • Next Step Scholarship Recipient

    I loved my experience being a Next Stepper! It offered great insight into Auto Care Connect and just seeing what the Auto Care Association is doing for the industry is awesome! I cannot wait to continue my growth in the aftermarket and seeing everyone I was able to meet again!

    Tiffany AuyeungGenuine Parts/NAPA

  • Next Step Scholarship Recipient

    Earning the Next Step scholarship was an incredible opportunity to step outside of day-to-day account management and immerse myself in the broader automotive aftermarket industry. As a recipient, I had the chance to participate in meetings and network with more than 450 veteran industry leaders — the kind of exposure that directly accelerates a career path in e-commerce and retail strategy.

    Shelby McLeanCRC

  • Next Step Scholarship Recipient

    Being selected for the Next Step Scholarship at Auto Care Connect was an inspiring experience that expanded my network and perspective on the future of the industry. I left encouraged by how collaborative, welcoming, and invested this community is in helping the next generation succeed.

    Dina NikocevicParts Authority

  • Next Step Scholarship Recipient

    Attending Connect for the first time as a Next Step Scholarship recipient genuinely changed my outlook on the trajectory of my career. I’ve been in a place where I could pursue many different paths, but after meeting so many incredible people in our industry, hearing their stories and learning from their experiences, I’ve found clarity in where I want my next steps to lead. The opportunity to connect with and learn from others through the Auto Care Association, especially YANG, was incredibly inspiring, and it motivated me to become more involved moving forward. Spending the week with the other Next Step recipients was truly eye-opening, and I know I’ve built friendships and connections that I can’t wait to continue growing at future events.

    Samantha Schearer-HigdonSchearer’s Sales & Service, Inc.

  • Next Step Scholarship Recipient

    The event was incredible, and I learned so much. I saw a side of this work I’d never experienced before, and it’s something I’ll remember & build on for the rest of my career. ‘Lead from your position!’

    Joseph PedorenkoTERREPOWER

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