Winston-Salem State University is first college in North Carolina to offer NASCAR Campus Lab Program

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — NASCAR is expanding its Campus Lab Program to Winston-Salem State University, the company announced in a press release Sunday.

It is the first university in North Carolina to offer the Campus Lab Program.

“Our new partnership with NASCAR sets us apart as a leading institution in the state of North Carolina,” said WSSU Chancellor Bonita Brown.”

The Campus Lab Program, which provides hands-on experience to students interested in pursuing careers in the sports industry, began with Bethune-Cookman University in 2023.

Brandon Thompson, vice president of NASCAR Diversity and Inclusion, said the Campus Lab Program adds to the legacy and impact that WSSU has on NASCAR. Earlier this year, NASCAR announced the return of the Clash exhibition to Bowman Gray Stadium , home of the Rams football team, in more than 50 years.

WSSU is the only public university and historically-Black college/university to offer a motorsport management degree program , which the institution says complements NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program to include more minorities and women in the higher levels of motorsports.

Students accepted to the program will “get real-world experience developing a marketing activation while managing a set budget provided by NASCAR, compete in a case study competition, get a behind-the-scenes view of careers throughout the industry, be paired with a mentor from NASCAR’s Black employee resource group, and receive resume and interview tips from human resources professionals.”

Currently, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Rajah Caruth is a full-time student at WSSU pursuing a degree in motorsports management. In March, he made history as the third Black driver to win a NASCAR national series race .

According to WSSU , the program will admit up to 15 sophomores and juniors who will receive a $3,500 scholarship at the end. Winners of the case study competition will receive an additional $1,500. Finally, one student will have a chance at a spot in NASCAR’s Diversity Internship Program.

“The goal of the NASCAR Campus Lab Program is to provide exposure to the motorsports industry, and we were able to accomplish that over the past year and a half since launching the program”, said Caryn Grant, senior director of NASCAR Diversity and Inclusion. “As a result, we’ve introduced career opportunities, experience and guidance that has positively impacted participants, including a student from the inaugural cohort at Bethune-Cookman University who earned a spot in the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program and was then hired at NASCAR. We look forward to continuing to develop future professionals at Winston-Salem State University and making a similar impact.”

Applications close November 1.

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