What began as a conversation in 2021 has grown into a meaningful partnership rooted in a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for first-generation scholars. Over the past four years, Mazda and the Mazda Foundation have invested more than $300,000 in College Track, including support for the Career Discovery Externship, a program that gives scholars hands-on experience exploring careers in the automotive industry.
Recently, Nick Beard, Zone Manager at Mazda North American Operations and Associate Program Director for the Mazda Foundation, presented a $75,000 gift from the Mazda Foundation to support College Track’s Los Angeles scholars. Tom Donnelly, President & CEO of Mazda North American Operations, and Tim Manning, SVP of Retail Operations, also stopped by to share advice with scholars — a welcome surprise that made the day even more meaningful.
We’re grateful to Mike Zagami, Nick Beard, Jen Houston, Francisco Barragan, Evan Valle, Carissa Loncarich, and Todos Unidos!, Mazda’s Hispanic/Latino Employee Business Resource Group, for consistently showing up for our scholars. Together with Mazda, we’re supporting more than 1,100 scholars across Los Angeles — part of the 6,200 scholars and alumni College Track serves nationwide on the path to and through college.
The most memorable moment was the scenario presentations, the feedback each group received was helpful for both our presentation skills and also problem-solving, while giving a glimpse into what a professional in the field would do.”