As the pace of change across the electrical distribution industry continues to accelerate, workforce development has become a strategic imperative. Building, developing, and retaining a skilled, future-ready workforce is essential to sustaining innovation, growth, and long-term competitiveness for NAED members.

At NAED, workforce development means supporting members across the full talent lifecycle to strengthening workforce pipelines, advancing career development, improving retention, and preparing the next generation of leaders. Through forward-thinking tools, actionable insights, education, and strategic partnerships, NAED is committed to helping members future-proof their workforce and build organizational resilience.

One way we are advancing this work is by expanding access to industry-specific education. Through our partnership with Texas A&M University, eligible employees of NAED member companies may apply for the Dr. Daniel F. Jennings Memorial Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship opportunity for individuals pursuing the Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) program at Texas A&M.

About the Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) Program

Designed specifically for working professionals, the Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) is a 21-month, part-time, online graduate degree tailored for leaders in B2B distribution, sales, manufacturing, and related industries. The cohort-based program emphasizes supply chain management, logistics, profitability strategies, leadership, and real-world application.

Participants engage in applied learning through on-campus residencies, a global distribution experience, and a capstone project focused on addressing real challenges within their own organizations, allowing employees to continue advancing their careers while developing skills that directly benefit their companies.

For more information on the MID program, visit: https://engineering.tamu.edu/etid/id/mid/index.html

Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants must:

• Be an employee of an NAED member company
• Have 5+ years of experience in distribution, sales, manufacturing, industrial services, or B2B technology
• Be considered high potential for management or leadership
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university

How to Apply

• Apply to the Texas A&M Master of Industrial Distribution program for Fall 2026 at mid.tamu.edu
• Notify the MID program (sjebel@tamu.edu) that you are an NAED member employee applying for the Jennings Scholarship
• Submit your application by May 31, 2026

This scholarship opportunity directly supports NAED’s workforce development priorities by advancing career development, strengthening retention through meaningful growth opportunities, and building a future-ready leadership pipeline for the electrical distribution industry.

We encourage NAED members to share this opportunity with employees who may be considering a master’s degree and are interested in advancing their careers through industry-focused education.

View the recording of our special webinar featuring Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam, Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University. In this session, he introduces a proven framework for uncovering and capitalizing on growth opportunities in distribution—no matter the state of the market.

Drawing on the latest research and industry best practices, Dr. Nagarathnam walks through a practical model to help identify high-impact growth opportunities, along with actionable strategies and tools for implementation. You’ll gain insights into key growth drivers within your business and learn effective methods for generating, managing, and sustaining long-term growth. (Content is based on lectures from the course “Distribution Growth, Models, and Drivers.”)

At the conclusion of the webinar, you’ll also gain insights into Texas A&M University Master of Industrial Distribution program and the $5,000 Dr. Daniel F. Jennings Memorial Scholarship opportunity available to eligible employees of NAED member companies.

Click here to access the recording.

Click here to download the presentation.