The Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship program received a record-setting 607 completed applications from students seeking the 2014-2015 awards.
“The 607 applications for this year’s scholarships far exceed our previous record of 503 set in 2013,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS scholarship selection committee. “Our outreach to teachers and industry professionals has succeeded in getting the word out about the scholarships’ availability to students who are planning careers in the automotive aftermarket.”
According to Kornafel, 97% of the scholarship applicants are preparing for careers in the aftermarket. Approximately 87% of the applicants have designated automotive, collision or heavy-duty and diesel technician training as their post-secondary course of study.
Kornafel said the majority of this year’s applicants have a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher. He said 150 of the applicants have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
“It is certainly gratifying to see this tremendous interest from students and their determination to pursue aftermarket careers,” said Denny Welvaert, GAAS chairman. “Now, the industry needs to do its part to support these future aftermarket employees.”
In its 16-year history, the GAAS scholarship program has presented more than $1.8 million in awards to more than 1,800 students. In the 2013-2014 academic year, the GAAS scholarship program presented 250 awards totaling more than $260,000, including 115 scholarships funded by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
Ten of the 2013-2014 GAAS scholarships were funded through a grant from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. Seven additional scholarships were presented by GAAS to Canadian students.
Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions from individuals, companies and foundations.
