The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship committee reminds the industry that scholarship funds are still available to students pursuing a career in the aftermarket. Industry members with sons or daughters in need of financial assistance to support their aftermarket education efforts are encouraged to have their children apply now.
In 2011, 154 Students received a total of 177 scholarships via the GAAS Scholarship program. The aggregate amount awarded was $176,500. Twenty-two students received multiple awards and one student received three awards.
"I encourage everyone in the aftermarket to have their sons and daughters who are attending or entering a full-time university, college or ASE/NATEF-certified vocational training program to apply for a scholarship from GAAS and its collaborating organizations," said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship committee. "All full-time students who plan a career in the aftermarket qualify for GAAS scholarships. Technician Students also qualify for Michael Busch, Mitchell1, University of the Aftermarket Foundation and Women’s Board awards."
Professional students majoring in four-year business, marketing, accounting or engineering programs also qualify for Breslow Foundation, LDN, McCurdy and MultiParts awards, Kornafel added. Residents of almost 40 states qualify for an award from one of the 10 regional automotive aftermarket associations. Second-year technician students in Minnesota qualify for the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota awards.
Each application is reviewed by every organization where that applicant meets their qualifications. In 2011, 18 students received multiple awards from their one application.
Details of each available award and online applications are at www.automotivescholarships.com for students attending schools in the U.S. Canadian students apply at http://www.aiacanada.com/scholarships.cfm.
The deadline for U.S. applications is March 31, and the deadline for Canadian applications is June 15.
