A. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. VWGoA houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen and is the sole importer and distributer of Bugatti and Rimac vehicles in the U.S. VWGoA also operates a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee which produces Volkswagen brand vehicles including the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and the ID.4. VW Credit, Inc. (doing business as “Volkswagen Financial Services”), a wholly owned subsidiary of VWGoA, provides financial services and innovative mobility solutions. Electrify America, another VWGoA subsidiary, is building a publicly-accessible, nation-wide electric vehicle charging network. VWGoA’s autonomous vehicle (AV) technology Public Va. The company has approximately 10,000 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through a network of approximately 1,000 independent dealers. You can read some of VWGoA’s latest press releases on the VW media website linked here.

A. While exposure to cars is a benefit of participating in the Future Leaders in Mobility Program, it is not the only focus. This program will provide student participants with exposure to many career paths available in the automotive industry. Whether you are interested in working in the production plant, in the dealership or in a corporate position, this program has much to offer you.

A. Areas of focus and/or discussion include, but may not be limited to, the following career paths: Finance, Government Relations, Engineering, Corporate Law, Human Relations, Supply Chain Management (Logistics), Marketing and Branding, Manufacturing, and Dealership Operations.

A. Engaging presentations from employees across the company, covering an array of business areas within the automotive industry. Introductions to each of Volkswagen Group of America’s brands and subsidiaries, such as Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini. Hands-on demonstrations of the technology that impacts the automotive industry today. Group activities to apply the lessons learned throughout the week and engage with fellow future leaders in mobility. An opportunity for professional development by interacting with employees throughout Volkswagen and participating in skill-building workshops. The program also allows students to select a mentor from among the presenters for a year-long continuation of insights into the automotive industry and support and guidance as students prepare to enroll in college.

A. There will be twenty-five (25) students selected for the program.

A. You will be notified on May 24, 2024 via a phone call.

A. The program will be held from August 5-9, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

A. Yes. Student participants will meet the team at the Greater Washington Urban League (2901 14th Street NW, Washington, DC) at 9:00 AM every day. A bus will transport all the students to the VWGoA HQ (1950 Opportunity Way, Reston, VA) and return you to GWUL for pick-up at 5:00 PM.

A. Commuting via the GWUL transportation is strongly encouraged. Exceptions may be made for students in close proximity to the VWGoA Reston HQ (1950 Opportunity Way, Reston, VA).

A. No. We will provide snacks and lunch daily.

A. Yes, we expect to take pictures of and film aspects of the program. This content will only be publicly shared if a parent or guardian has signed the Photo Release Form.

A. No. There is no application fee for the program.

A. The eligibility criteria require you to be: A rising high school junior or senior (graduating class of 2025 or 2026); From a historically underserved and vulnerable population; A student attending a high school in the District of Columbia; Montgomery County, MD; Prince Georges County, MD; or Northern Virginia; Interested in a career in the automotive industry.

A. The application is due no later than May 3, 2024.

A. Yes. Your parent or guardian will need to complete and submit a Parental Approval and Permission Form prior to your attendance.

A. Yes. One reference letter is required.

A. Yes. Your essay will be submitted using the fillable form in the application. It may not exceed 500 words.

A. Your complete application will be submitted via this Google Forms link.

A. Yes. You will need to attend the half-day orientation session

A. The orientation session will be approximately three hours in length.

A.Yes. In participating in the program, you agree to attend every day of the week-long program.

A. No. The mentorship program is a non-mandatory offering. It is, however, a great opportunity to gain additional career advice and guidance as participating students chart their career paths.

A. Please submit your questions or requests for technical support via email to futureleaders@gwul.org. Please allow up to 24 business hours for a response.