University of the Aftermarket Foundation Supports GAAS Scholarships: Donation Supports Aftermarket’s Future

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. –The Global Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Committee (GAAS) awarded a near record number of scholarships in 2006, due in large part to additional donations from University of the Aftermarket Foundation’s Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Fund.

A total of 133 students were awarded $1,000 GAAS scholarships in 2006, five of which were made possible by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation’s donation.

“The record number of applicants this year demonstrates the importance of the GAAS scholarship program,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee. “Thanks to the generous support of University of the Aftermarket Foundation and our other donors, we were able to assist even more students who will pursue aftermarket careers,” he noted.

“The Foundation is please to offer its support to the GAAS scholarships, made possible by a donation from the University of the Aftermarket Foundations Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Funds,” said Dave Caracci, chairman of the Foundation’s board of trustees. “We are proud to support this vital effort to develop the next generation of leadership in the aftermarket industry,” he added.

The annual investment to help develop future aftermarket industry leaders is primarily funded through proceeds from the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. This two-day program brings together numerous industry executives and examines the issues and trends affecting the automotive aftermarket industry and influencing its future. GAAS has become the aftermarket’s premier educational conference. The 2007 event is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 8-9, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill. Details are at www.globalsymposium.org.

To be eligible for a GAAS scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or an ASE/NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Foundation) certified automotive technical program. Graduate programs and part-time undergraduate programs do not qualify.

The GAAS scholarship also is unique in that recipients who graduate from their program and show proof of employment as a technician in the automotive aftermarket for at least six months after graduation can receive a second, matching grant

GAAS Scholarship applications for 2007 will be available Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, online at www.automotivescholarships.com.

For more information on the scholarship or to apply online, applicants can go to www.automotivescholarships.com. A separate application for Canadian students is available from the Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada at 613-728-5821, or at the organization’s Web site: www.aiacanada.com. Deadline for 2007 scholarship applications is Friday, March 30, 2007.

Additional funding comes from contributions. Contributions can be made to the GAAS Scholarship Fund, c/o Susan Medick at AAIA, at 301-654-6664.

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