The Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) will host the 2026 Automobile Dealer Education Institute (ADEI) Graduation & Matriculation Ceremony on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Montgomery College’s Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education in Rockville, Maryland.
The annual event will recognize the achievements of ADEI apprentices who have successfully completed the program while welcoming the next group of students preparing to begin their careers in the automotive industry. The ceremony brings together graduates, families, dealership sponsors, educators, public officials, and workforce development partners to celebrate the value of skilled trades and the important role automotive technicians play in today’s economy.
As the nation’s largest nonprofit automotive technician apprenticeship program, ADEI continues to provide a proven pathway into rewarding careers while helping dealerships address the ongoing need for highly trained technicians. Through a combination of classroom instruction and paid, hands-on dealership experience, the program has become a model for workforce development both regionally and nationally.
This year’s ceremony is expected to feature a number of distinguished elected officials and community leaders. Maryland State Senator Will Smith has already confirmed his attendance and will deliver remarks to graduates and guests. Additional public officials have been invited and are expected to join in recognizing the accomplishments of the graduating class and the importance of career and technical education.
The event will celebrate not only the accomplishments of the graduates, but also the partnerships that make ADEI possible. Participating dealerships, instructors, workforce agencies, and community organizations all play an essential role in supporting apprentices as they develop the technical skills and professional experience needed for long-term success in the automotive industry.
WANADA encourages all dealer members, community partners, workforce development professionals, educators, and supporters of technical education to attend and help recognize the achievements of this year’s graduates. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence represent the future of the automotive service profession.
The ceremony also serves as an opportunity to learn more about ADEI’s mission and its continued impact on addressing one of the automotive industry’s most pressing challenges: building and sustaining a pipeline of qualified technicians for the future.
For additional information about the 2026 ADEI Graduation & Matriculation Ceremony, please contact WANADA Vice President of Education Joe Hemberger at jh@wanada.org.
WANADA congratulates this year’s graduates and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments on August 26 at Montgomery College’s Gudelsky Institute for Technical Education.
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