Online Applications Available for 2009 GAAS Scholarships

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee is encouraging automotive aftermarket professionals to steer students pursuing careers in the aftermarket industry toward the 2009 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship for assistance in funding their education. The committee also suggests recommending that friends or family members looking to start second careers consider the aftermarket as a viable option.

The annual GAAS scholarship is awarded to students planning automotive aftermarket careers and the university-bound children of the members of the associations that sponsor GAAS. The application process is entirely electronic through the GAAS scholarship Web site, www.automotivescholarships.com. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 31st.

“The 2008 GAAS scholarship awards were announced during the annual Symposium, and I was thrilled by the number of GAAS attendees who received the news of their child’s award while at the meeting,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Committee. “I urge those parents who were at GAAS 2008 and all my aftermarket peers to spread the word about the GAAS scholarship throughout the industry and draw new talent to our vibrant and growing industry.”

GAAS scholarships were awarded to 115 recipients in 2008, including 10 awards received by students from Canada. The annual investment to develop future automotive aftermarket industry leaders is funded through proceeds from the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium.

All scholarship figures are in U.S. funds. Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. Contributions can be made to the GAAS Scholarship Fund, c/o Susan Medick at AAIA, at 301-654-6664, or susan.medick@aftermarket.org.