In Just Its Sixth Year, Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarship Program Continues To Grow An Investment That Continues To Pay Dividends

BETHESDA, MD - November 5, 2002 - In only its sixth year of existence, the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship program continues to grow. Thanks to tremendous support from the aftermarket industry, 182 students who plan to enter the industry received scholarships in 2002.

"Our future investment in students is beginning to pay dividends," according to Mort Schwartz, GAAS scholarship chairman. Since 1996, more than 500 students have received aid totaling more than $500,000.

"We are now beginning to see students who received Symposium scholarships begin their industry employment," noted Schwartz. "It is gratifying to meet these future leaders at events like AAIW and know that our scholarship program helped play a part in launching their career."

Schwartz explains that scholarships are available to students in two-year technical college programs and vocational schools and four-year college programs. To be eligible for a GAAS scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or a NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Foundation) accredited automotive technical program. Graduate programs and part-time undergraduate programs do not qualify.

The GAAS scholarship is also unique in that recipients can receive two financial grants: one while in school to assist with tuition and an equivalent, a matching grant awarded to all scholarship recipients who graduate from their program and show proof of employment in the automotive aftermarket for at least six months after graduation.

In addition to proceeds from the 2002 GAAS and through the support of the sponsoring industry associations, Schwartz points out that the record number of recipients in 2002 was made possible through generous industry contributions and grants from family foundations, including the Lebensfeld Foundation.

"It is important that we continue to generate the support of the industry to promote the existence of these scholarships," Schwartz said. "We ask assistance from all manufacturers, distributors, retailers, program groups and vocational schools to help spread the word about this valuable program."

Scholarship applications are available from the eight industry associations who sponsor GAAS. Applicants can also contact Schona Evans at 816-361-6588 sevans@awda.org for applications.

For more information on the scholarship or to download an application form, applicants can also go to www.automotivescholarships.com. A separate application for Canadian students is available from the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) at 613-728-5821, or at the organization’s Web site: www.aiacanada.com. Deadline for 2003 scholarship applications is Monday, March 31, 2003.

The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association and University of the Aftermarket.

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For more information, contact:
Gary D. McCoy, Fairway Communications
847/622-7228
gmccoy@fairwaycommunications.com