Sabrina Linares is studying accounting at Florida Atlantic University, and she is also preparing for a potential automotive industry career.

On Tuesday, retail automotive technology company CDK Global and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers announced that Linares and three other students are recipients of the annual Fueling Careers scholarship program. The program awarded the four students with $12,500 scholarships, and those scholarships will go toward their continued pursuit of a college degree.

The Fueling Careers scholarship program since its inception has provided 17 eligible applicants the opportunity to pursue their education and career-specific goals.

This year’s winners will also be offered an eight-week paid internship with CDK Global.

In addition to Linares, the other recipients of the 2020 Fueling Careers scholarships are David Toyooka, who is attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Ariz; Jakeem Littles, Life University in Marietta, Ga.; and Sebastian Watler, Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

Linares said she was fortunate to have been awarded the CDK/NAMAD scholarship for four consecutive years, and she is the first student to receive the scholarship for four years in a row.

“I hope to use the scholarship as a means to relieve the financial burden of student loans and also to inspire many others in pursuing their dreams of higher education,” Linares said in a news release.

CDK president and chief executive officer Brian Krzanich said the company seeks to create opportunities for “quality and inclusive education that promotes lifelong learning.”

“Each of the scholarship winners possesses the characteristics CDK and NAMAD have valued since establishing the Fueling Careers scholarship program in 2017,” Krzanich said.

He continued, “CDK is honored to play a small role in supporting these students as they continue learning the necessary skills to achieve success in their respective future careers.”

NAMAD president Damon Lester said: “With the Fueling Careers scholarship program, we are finding young, minority leaders who are setting the example for the next generation by demonstrating educational excellence at every level.

Lester continued, “It will be exciting to watch these students flourish as they take the first steps in realizing their educational and professional dreams.”

Award recipients were selected based on academic merit and financial need.

The application site for next year’s scholarships will open on Jan. 3. Fueling Careers scholarship applicants must be planning to attend or are currently attending an accredited college or university. All applicants must have a parent employed by a NAMAD dealership. The applicant must also be sponsored by a current NAMAD member.

International Scholarship and Tuition Services Inc. managed the scholarship application and award processes, and ISTS also selected the final four award recipients, with approval by the Fueling Careers Scholarship Committee consisting of CDK and NAMAD members.