DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2003) — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has given students interested in automotive industry careers more than $100,000 in scholarships this year to at four-year colleges and vocational schools.
SEMA said seven of the recipients have direct affiliations with a member company.
“This year we've awarded more scholarships and more money than ever before,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA scholarship committee chairman and president and CEO of Street Scene Equipment in Costa Mesa, Calif. “Being part of the SEMA Scholarship Program is a distinctly rewarding assignment and the program certainly helps our industry's future.”
Grants this year totaled $103,000, given to 72 students from 21 states and the District of Columbia. The recipients are enrolled in 28 different schools.
In 2002, 60 students received a total of $80,000 from the scholarship program, SEMA said.
Students of junior or senior level in four-year colleges and those of sophomore level at two-year or vocational schools are eligible for two sets of scholarships. Four-year students can receive $2,000, and two-year and vocational students can receive $1,000. Other requirements apply, including grade-point average levels, financial need and a planned career in the automotive aftermarket or related field.