The Mike Molino RV Learning Center has extended the deadline for the 2025-2026 Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship to September 27. This scholarship, named in honor of Duane Spader, former RVDA chairman and advocate of continuous education, is designed to provide an opportunity for leadership development within the RV industry.
Eligible applicants must be employees of RVDA dealer members in the United States.
This scholarship is part of a collaboration between the Mike Molino RV Learning Center and NCM Associates, providing a chance for one current or aspiring leader in the RV industry to attend the Leadership Development Program (LDP) free of charge.
Valued at $9,975, the tuition-free program spans 12 to 18 months, with the recipient responsible only for travel expenses. It aims to equip participants with essential skills for leading RV dealerships.
According to a press release, the LDP includes six sessions, each lasting 3.5 days, held over 11 months. Participants are tasked with applying what they’ve learned between sessions and tracking the results.
Guidance from an NCM coach is provided throughout the program to ensure the effective application of these leadership principles in their workplace. The scholarship recipient will be selected shortly after the application deadline, ensuring ample time to prepare for the first session in early 2025.
The LDP curriculum focuses on leadership and management effectiveness, coaching team performance, and improving overall dealership operations. Graduates will learn how to lead their organization’s strategy, enhance customer service, and manage various aspects of their business through the North Star Model, a framework for dealership management.
In addition to coaching, participants will be trained in hiring practices, helping them identify and recruit the best candidates for their teams. Emphasis will also be placed on assessing and improving the dealership’s organizational and financial health.
NCM Associates, a partner in the program, is known for its leadership training and business consulting services across the United States and Canada. Their 20 Group network provides insights and solutions to dealership owners and managers, helping them to optimize their operations.
For more information about the application process, visit rvda.org/RVLearning.