PROGRAMS OF MENTORSHIP,
ADVOCACY
& EDUCATION
Below is a listing of inclusive and resourceful programs for women in motorsports. These programs are for informational purposes only; WIMNA does not endorse, approve, certify, or control these programs.
Accelerating Change
Accelerating Change believes in fostering educational, social, and bonding experiences that create a lasting impact that will drive more women to take action – be it taking part in automotive-centric events, developing skills and confidence in the automotive industry, or forging a network with like-minded individuals.
Club Athena
Club Athena, is an award-winning, nationwide, and virtual extracurricular club accredited by STEM.org. This educational enhancement to classroom learning creates portfolio projects that get the attention of universities and employers.
The Athenian Clubhouse is a private social network where girls in middle school and high school develop a leadership mindset, prepare for college, explore careers, and learn essential skills.
The elite membership explores professional career tracks in the specialties of invention, design, engineering, fabrication, and business while “getting their hands dirty!”
- Scholarships Available
Confederation of Autosport Car Clubs – Women in Motorsports
Their ongoing goal is to increase the active participation of women and girls in the CACC motorsport disciplines, by promoting opportunities designed to encourage new enthusiasts to enter the sport and enabling their interest with straightforward information required to compete on track and/or volunteer at events.
They strive to build women’s belief in their potential and foster an “I can” attitude towards motorsports by sharing profiles and achievements of current women participating in CACC motorsport.
They support female driver development through mentorship, training, and competition bursaries. And finally, strive to retain current female enthusiasts through recognition of achievements and ensuring the community is an inclusive and safe place for everyone.
Della Penna Motorsports NextGen Foundation
Founded in 2021, the Della Penna Motorsports NextGen Foundation is a 501C-3 organization that empowers girls between the ages of 5-16 with the knowledge, expertise, skill and mentorship – and most importantly, the opportunities – to supercharge a future in motorsports – whether it’s behind the wheel, in the pits, or behind a computer.
From the classroom, to the track, to the podium, the love of motorsports will engage and support girls as they join the next generation of motorsports professionals … race car drivers, chassis designers, team engineers, or mechanics.
- Scholarships Available
Driven Women Magazine
The motoring magazine for women.
Driven Women Magazine is the only motoring magazine of its kind in the world that focuses on women and motoring culture.
Their magazines feature thought-provoking long-form articles and interviews that readers will not find anywhere else, written by experienced journalists and passionate amateurs alike, from around the world.
F1 Academy
F1 Academy champions the next generation of female talent to explore their own motorsport journeys.
By breaking down barriers to entry on track in the F1 Academy Racing Series and through grassroots initiatives such as F1 Academy Discover Your Drive, they hope to make motorsport more diverse, inclusive, and accessible.
F1 in Schools North America
F1 in Schools is dedicated to introducing students to engineering, project management, branding and marketing, and teamwork from a young age through racing.
With competitions taking place in 51 countries across the world, and opportunities within all of the US and Canada, F1 in Schools is one of the largest global educational programs that raise awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among students and school children.
Females in Motorsport
From global racing stars and TV presenters to mechanics and wind tunnel technicians, Females in Motorsport aim to share stories from those working in the industry.
Between articles and social media platforms, Females in Motorsport has reached over 5 million people.
Females in Motorsport strives to showcase up-and-coming drivers who are taking their first steps on the motorsport ladder. They also are committed to bringing updates from the motorsport paddock and providing a platform for followers to check series results via their social media channels.
FIA: Women in Motorsports
The Women In Motorsport Commission was created in 2009 in order to:
- Demonstrate that women are recognised by the highest body responsible for motor sport.
- Show that motorsport is open to women in all of its aspects, whether as competitors, officials, team managers, engineers, mechanics, etc.
- Promote the place of women in motorsport through media, international events, partners and stakeholders.
- Develop social and educational programmes, in order to encourage greater participation of women in motorsport.
- Make young women (drivers, officials, professionals, customers) aware of road safety issues.
Formula Female/Go Girls Karting Initiative
Created by Derek Daly’s niece, Nicci Daly, the Go Girls Karting & STEM initiative is based in Ireland.
The program, supported by Sport Ireland and Cjj Motorsports, is designed to drive visibility, opportunity and a pathway to active participation for young girls in the Motorsport Ireland Karting Championship.
Launched in 2019, the Go Girls initiative is aimed at 13-17 year old girls to engage, educate and empower the next generation of women in Motorsport.
Init Esports
Init Esports is an esports promoter focusing on SIM Racing special events and championships promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Init Esports brings esports content to fans and sponsorship opportunities to brands by producing online competitions and real-life events,
Founder Stefy Bau is an entrepreneur and 3-time motocross world champion, with 20+ years of experience in motorsports, e-mobility and esports. Her motto is #WomenSupportingWomen.
IUPUI – Motorsports Engineering
IUPUI is the only university in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in motorsports engineering.
Fueled by a love of cars, engines, and making things run? How about racing or aerodynamics? The Motorsports Engineering Program at IUPUI may be the perfect fit for you!
The perfect blend of engineering curriculum plus vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, data acquisition, and other motorsports-specific courses, Motorsports Engineering at IUPUI offers students a Purdue University engineering degree— right in the heart of the racing capital of the world.
- Scholarships Available
Jessi Combs Foundation
Jessi Combs was a pioneer. She worked harder than many – with more grit and determination than most – to earn her position as an expert in several male-dominated industries including the trades.
The time is now for women to pursue their dream of a career in the trades and the Jessi Combs Foundation is here to fuel those dreams through their annual scholarship program.
JCF is dedicated to continuing the work Jessi started including her commitment to inspiring women to pursue a career in the trades.
Their scholarship program is one of the ways they fulfill their mission to educate, inspire and empower the next-generation of trailblazing and stereo-type breaking women…..like Jessi.
- Scholarships Available
McPherson College Automotive Restoration Program
The Automotive Restoration Technology Program at McPherson College was established in 1976 through the generosity and foresight of local entrepreneur Gaines H. “Smokey” Billue. His gift of over 125 classic and antique cars provided initial funds for the program.
Today, with industry connections spanning the country and internship opportunities in a broad range of automotive settings, McPherson College stands alone as the only school to provide a bachelor’s degree in Restoration Technology.
Whether you’re a student, business owner, or an individual with an interest in the car world, McPherson has a way for you to plug into our nationally recognized auto restoration program and benefit from the program’s events and initiatives.
- Scholarships Available
Mo Racing Driving Connections
Empowering women and girls through motorsport opportunities and driving connections to women’s initiatives.
MO Racing was created to inspire, mentor and amplify opportunities to drive, crew or avidly spectate at the race track.
They provide workshops for young women/girls, connections to Porsche and BMW experiences, cars & coffee, rallies, autocross and ultimately racetrack adventures.
NASCAR: Drive for Diversity
NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion strives to create an inclusive environment in all facets of the NASCAR industry recognizing the value of diversity, which allows underrepresented demographics to go faster and farther in workplaces, at the race track and in the stands.
Their programs include: NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, and NASCAR Supplier Diversity.
NASCAR Technical Institute
Provided by Universal Technical Institute, the NASCAR Technical Institute is the exclusive educational provider for NASCAR and the only campus in the country to offer NASCAR-endorsed training.
UTI teams up with IGNITE Worldwide to support the advancement and empowerment of women in the skilled trades.
Their 15-week elective program trains students in everything from engines, fabrication, welding, aerodynamics and pit crew essentials. Through their elite Spec Engine program, select students have the opportunity to help instructors build engines – some of which are actually used in competition.
- Scholarships Available
Path to the Pits
The Path to the Pits organization provides access to racing – as well as motorsport career guidance – for young adults (aged 18-28) from underrepresented communities, nationwide.
Path to the Pits is focused on increasing gender and racial representation in the auto racing paddock.
To further their mission, Path to the Pits is an Alliance Partner with McLaren Racing Engage.
Race for Equality and Change
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are moving full speed ahead in the “Race for Equality and Change.”
Together IMS and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES have built the engine that will drive fundamental change and support diversity and inclusivity across the motorsports industry, including: diversifying competitive driver fields at levels of the sport; recruiting and developing a diverse workforce; diversifying employment, leadership and ownership within the NTT INDYCAR SERIES; investing in minority communities.
Racers: Girls Behind the Helmet
RACERS was created as the first motorsport website dedicated to female racers…or just “racers”, as they prefer to be called…because hiding behind those helmets there are no gender barriers.
This non-profit project aims to provide a platform to aggregate news, race reports, exclusive interviews, and behind the scenes stories from women drivers across the globe; and to establish a community of racing drivers, fans, sponsors, and general stakeholders interested in following these pioneers’ careers into the echelons of motorsports.
SAFE is Fast
S.A.F.E. stands for Skilled, Assured, Fit and Empowered – the qualities that every young race driver must acquire and hone if they are to become successful.
SAFE is Fast provides online video tutorials and guidance to promote and teach the skills necessary to be both safe and fast on the track. Featuring expert advice from over 100 champion drivers and industry professionals from around the world, the site covers everything from finding the fast line and fitness training to race car engineering and set-up.
SCCA: Women on Track
The mission of the SCCA Women on Track Initiative is to expand participation of women in all facets of SCCA programs and activities as participants, volunteers, leaders or supporters.
The Initiative is comprised of a four-person leadership team overseeing a committee of women representing each program area of the SCCA, including RallyCross, Road Racing, RoadRally, SCCA Pro Racing, Solo, Time Trials, Track Night in America, Volunteers/Officials
Shift Up Now
Do you see female athletes? Trailblazers? Role Models? Game Changers? Did you know that almost every face you see raises her own money to race?
Motorsport has come a long way in the past 50 years, but there is still work to do.
It’s time to change the game, and Shift Up Now wants your help to ensure more female athletes are funded in top seats in motorsport.
Shift Up Now wants female athletes to be visible, so they can continue to inspire courage and confidence in younger fans.
They also want to be a resource for racers – male and female – offering advice, coaching, and sharing lessons learned to help racers climb the ladder.
Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF)
The SAWF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the personal and professional advancement of women in the automotive industry.
SAWF achieves this mission by collaborating with industry partners to create educational, mentoring and networking opportunities for its members.
Their members serve as strong role models for one another and for young women of all ages who are interested in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with the hope that they will apply these skills to the automotive industry of the future.
- Scholarships Available
STEAM Sports Foundation
Through summits and scholarships, the foundation is dedicated toward showing tomorrow’s workforce career opportunities that are available via science, technology, engineering, arts and math via employers seeking innovative backgrounds.
One key scholarship emphasis is on the under-served demographics of minorities, women and the economically-challenged.
- Scholarships Available
TechForce Foundation: Women Techs Rock
Although the automotive world is made up of mostly men, the number of women in the field is growing every day. Opportunity abounds in repair shops, dealerships, and at car companies.
There is a place for you to build an exciting career and maybe even launch your own business.
- Scholarships Available
The Female Lead
We rise by lifting others.
The Female Lead is an educational charity created by loyalty and data entrepreneur, Edwina Dunn. Edwina knows first-hand what it feels like to work in a male-dominated industry, and how women need strong female role models to inspire confidence and ambition.
The Female Lead aims to make women’s stories more visible, and to provide positive role models for future generations by celebrating women’s achievement, endeavor and diversity.
UNC Charlotte Motorsports NCMARC
UNC Charlotte Motorsports at the NC Motorsports and Automotive Research Center is located in the heart of NASCAR country and is the first stop for employers hiring interns and entry-level engineers. They are located within 50 miles of 90% of the NASCAR Cup teams and 5 miles from Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Their program is rigorous and well respected in the automotive and racing industries. They offer one of the most innovative “hands-on” programs available in the U.S., allowing students to be some of the most qualified applicants in all of motorsports.
- Scholarships Available
Women in Motorsports Powered by PNC Bank & Chip Ganassi Racing
Announced in March 2022, the campaign aims to drive awareness and support for gender equality and economic inclusion for women in the workforce. The initiative includes a leadership video content series showcasing female industry leaders and an internship designed to accelerate career pathways in motorsports for women.
The program will provide a platform to fuel dialogue about the increasing importance of women as decision makers and influencers with employees, customers and race fans across the country.
- Scholarships Available
Women in Motorsports: Making Waves
Women Shifting Gears
Their motto: Because the automotive industry has been traditionally male-dominated doesn’t mean there is no space left for others.
Women Shifting Gears produces podcasts featuring women leaders in the automotive field. And hosts events and experiences aimed at amplifying women’s voices and participation in the automotive culture.
Their focus is on creating inclusive opportunities that provide networking, skill-building, and career growth.
Women’s Motorsports Network
The International Women’s Motorsports Association is passionate about reaching those women who rarely attend motorsport events – by exposing and educating them through interesting, and innovative ways that will entice them to participate.
For example, they support unique track events on race days that offer up close and personal interaction with racing wives, business leaders, track owners, women racers, and industry specialists.
Fans, track volunteers, crew members, and drivers will want to be a part of this association that connects and celebrates all women involved in any type of motorsport.
Be sure to check out their Racing Girls Rock Podcast!
Women’s Sports Foundation Travel & Training Fund
Lyn St. James established the Women in the Winner’s Circle Academy: The Complete Driver in 1994, and from that program awarded the first-ever Project Podium scholarship in 2007.
After closing the Academy, in 2013, St. James combined resources with the Women’s Sports Foundation to establish the Women’s Sports Foundation Women in the Winner’s Circle Project Podium Grant.
The Fund has since been folded into the WSF Travel & Training Fund. Click on the website link below for complete details.