AIA relaunches scholarship program

It’s out with the old and in with the new. The Automotive Industries Association of Canada announced its new scholarship program to replace the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Program.

And the good news is that everything stays the same, confirmed Didina Kyenge, executive assistant to the president at the AIA in Ottawa.

Dubbed the UofAF Scholarship, it will award selected candidates $1,000 scholarships. Priority will be given to those pursuing a career in the aftermarket industry, even though applications are open to anyone meeting the requirements. A matching grant is awarded if recipients become technicians.

Seven scholarships are handed out every year. Usually, upwards of 30 students apply, Kyenge said.

Qualified applicants have to be graduating high school or have graduated within the past two years. They must be enrolled either in a college, university or accredited automotive program in Canada and be enrolled fulltime for the year of the scholarship – from September until April. Graduate and part time programs do not qualify.

Submission requirements include a 250-word essay that outlines why the applicant believes they deserve to be chosen. Transcripts must be included – high school students or graduates must have their school officially seal their transcript. For those who are enrolled in a post-secondary program must also have an official seal on their transcript. A letter of recommendation is also required.

The deadline is June 15. Full details and the application form are available here.