DALLAS, Texas — EFG Companies, together with the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), has selected Javante Dilworth as the recipient of their Northwood University private donor scholarship.

The annual NAMAD scholarship will fund the remainder of Dilworth’s four-year tuition while he attends the Automotive Management Program at Northwood University, representing an investment of up to $100,000 from EFG. Dilworth is currently enrolled at Northwood pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Marketing and Management, and will be entering his sophomore year this fall.

“When I first found out that I was the recipient of the NAMAD Scholarship I was amazed and overfilled with joy,” Dilworth said. “This is really important to me because it opens up opportunities that are not always available. It is truly a great blessing.”

Dilworth was raised by his mother in Detroit, and was accepted to Northwood based upon academic merit, without family or dealership connections. During his first year of matriculation, his mother tragically passed away. This thrust Dilworth into a very adult situation in which he quickly learned how to provide for himself. Throughout the year, he sought out various projects, volunteer opportunities and jobs on campus, including Northwood’s 2014 phone-a-thon, where he consistently demonstrated maturity for his age and strong leadership. Despite the challenge of losing his mother and having to support himself, Dilworth maintained a 3.0 GPA.

“The high caliber of the NAMAD scholarship applicants made the selection process very difficult,” said Damon Lester, NAMAD president. “However, as his video presentation and letters of recommendation very clearly articulated, Javante embodies what we seek in NAMAD Scholars. He maintained a GPA of 3.0 during his freshman year while supporting himself, he consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and seeks leadership opportunities, and he clearly can persevere in the face of extreme adversity. All qualities that are necessary for a dealer in today’s environment to possess.”

“Last year, we brought together NAMAD and Northwood to join us in affecting meaningful progress in one of the most critical industries in America,” said John Pappanastos, president and CEO, EFG Companies. “Through the selection and endowment of scholars, such as Javante, we plan to bring diverse ideas and the brightest minds to the table so the industry may achieve maximum potential.”