BMW Scholars Program | Greenville Technical College

BMW Scholars Program

The BMW Scholars Program allows students to attend class full-time at local community colleges while working part-time at BMW in order to further their education, gain the necessary hands-on experience, and become viable candidates for full-time positions at BMW. During this process, BMW will offer tuition assistance toward obtaining a two-year associate degree. Recruitment occurs in the spring and students who are selected begin work at BMW during the Fall Semester. Recruitment is complete for Fall 2026.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

There are many benefits to becoming a BMW Scholar:

Gain invaluable work experience at BMW's only U.S. automotive plant
Earn an associate degree with tuition assistance offered by BMW
Earn money working part-time while taking classes
Be considered for full-time BMW employment opportunities

PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS

Students must

Be enrolled as a full-time student who is in the first or second semester in a two-year manufacturing-related program such as Mechatronics, Automotive Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Technology or Supply Chain Management.
Have a 2.8 GPA (high school transcripts if new)
Be willing to work 20 hours per week at the manufacturing facility
Be committed to attending college as a full-time student year-round (12 credit hours minimum each semester)
Submit an Experiential Learning application and be approved for Experiential Learning opportunities
The official BMW Technical Scholar Application link is sent by the Experiential Learning Office
Applicants must submit a BMW School Verification form signed from the Experiential Learning Office
Successfully complete BMW Assessment
Participate in BMW training
Be legally allowed to work long-term in the United States

Students must also have

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a team environment
Time management and organizational skills
MS Office experience (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Attach a copy of your resume and unofficial transcript to your application.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Length of program
The BMW Scholars Program is a two-year training program. It requires that the students take classes in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters with a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester.

Flexible scheduling
BMW realizes that they may need to be flexible in establishing a work schedule. A preferred schedule would include classes in the morning and the ability to work in the afternoon.

Pay
Wages will be discussed during the interview process.

Continued employment
BMW Scholars who complete the program will be considered for full-time employment with BMW; however, there is no obligation for continued employment by BMW or the student upon program completion.

BMW SCHOLAR TYPICAL DAY

As a BMW Scholar, students will spend each weekday either in class or working at the plant. While working, students will have a mentor in each area who will guide and teach. Initially, students will get a strong foundation of the vehicle by working within the production process. The area in which students will be working will rotate as they go through the program and may include the body shop, paint shop, and assembly.

GET STARTED

BMW accepts applications beginning in the Spring semester of each year with an interview and physical assessment process to follow. Students wanting to apply to the BMW Technical Scholars program must contact the Experiential Learning office for the correct application link and the BMW school verification form required for the application. BMW will then contact students with either an acceptance offer or a letter of regret for the BMW Scholars Program. Students who are accepted into the program will receive tuition assistance from BMW beginning in the Fall Semester and continuing each semester they are in the program. The anticipated start date for the students to begin orientation at BMW will be in the Fall semester. Please feel free to contact the Experiential Learning Office for specific dates for the next application period.