19 Canadian Students Earn Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarships

The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) is pleased to announce the 19 Canadian students receiving Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarships.
Over 50% of the scholarship recipients are studying in fields related to the automotive sector, pursuing a variety of automotive careers. Of those pursuing automotive careers, just over half plan to work in automotive management positions and another third of recipients are studying to be Automotive Service Technicians.
"The calibre of applicants is fantastic!" says AIA President Ray Datt. "With such talented scholarship winners I am confident about the continuing success of the automotive aftermarket industry. We are delighted that so many Canadian students from across the country are benefiting from this scholarship program."
"I have been interested in vehicles since I can remember," says Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology student Josh Quintal. "I want to design and create ways for vehicles to be environmentally friendly. I want to do what I can to help the environment, and I love the automotive industry, so if I can be a part of both that is where I want my career to go."
"I see myself in the service side of the automotive industry. I like cars and know a lot about the mechanics of them, as well as trying to find out what might be wrong about them. Along with this, I like dealing with people so I believe that the service department is where I want to be," says Michael Folkins, Automotive Marketing and Business student at New Brunswick Community College.
"My goal is to someday be a successful entrepreneur in the automotive aftermarket, taking with me the skills I have learned both academically and in the field of work," explained Martin Venneri who is studying in the Automotive Business Management program at Georgian College. "I have been financially independent since the end of high school This scholarship would be a tremendous help in dealing with the cost of living and the rising cost of tuition fees.
Students who work in the aftermarket after completing their studies are eligible for an additional grant. The GAAS scholarship is unique in that recipients may receive two financial grants: one while they are in school — to assist with tuition — and an equivalent matching grant for all scholarship recipients who graduate from their program and work in the automotive aftermarket.
A total of 145 GAAS scholarships were awarded this year, including 19 Canadians. In the nine years of the scholarship, over a thousand students have received aid totalling over $1 million.
The annual investment to help develop future aftermarket industry leaders is funded through proceeds from the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). This two-day program brings together numerous industry executives, including Canadians, and examines the issues and trends affecting the aftermarket industry and influencing its future. The 2006 Symposium will be held May 17 and 18 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan. Visit: www.globalsymposium.org for more information.