In 1994, CNCDA helped establish a separate nonprofit scholarship foundation with a focused purpose: to encourage young people to pursue careers in California’s automotive industry.
Three years ago, the CNCDA Foundation Board of Directors refined that mission with a disciplined objective: to strengthen California’s automotive workforce by building structured pathways into dealership careers.
Today, the CNCDA Foundation stands as one of the strongest dealer-supported technician workforce programs in the country. Its model is gaining attention beyond California because it delivers measurable results. Career technical education leaders and legislators consistently prioritize programs that create regional job opportunities and lifelong careers. The Foundation is doing exactly that.
Through Automotive Technology Career Days, dealer-sponsored internships, pre-apprenticeships and the Technician Apprenticeship Program powered by Automotive Apprenticeship Group, the CNCDA Foundation engages students across the state long before they begin their job search. Students are introduced to dealership careers, compensation potential, advancement opportunities and the long-term stability this profession offers.
For dealerships facing technician shortages, this work directly supports their future hiring needs. It also demonstrates that California’s franchised dealers are investing in workforce development, creating meaningful careers and strengthening local economies.
CNCDA Foundation’s programs:
- Build early awareness of dealership career paths
- Provide structured, work-based learning
- Connect dealers with emerging talent
- Support long-term technician development and retention
Our association is proud to work alongside a foundation that has built a program of this strength and scale. It reflects California dealers’ commitment to providing meaningful opportunities and lifelong career advancement.
You can support the CNCDA Foundation’s efforts in two ways:
- Contribute $500 per rooftop. Dealer contributions remain essential. Your tax-deductible donation supports Career Days, student engagement and the development of the technician pipeline in your region.
- Attend a Career Day event. Even as an observer, you will see the level of interest students have in understanding dealership careers and how to enter the field.
The CNCDA Foundation’s work is active, growing and making an impact now. Your engagement ensures they can continue their work to strengthen the future automotive industry workforce.
We applaud their team and dealer leadership for their commitment to these students and our industry. Visit www.cncdafoundation.org to learn more.
