DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2013) — The 2013 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is accepting applications through March 29 for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries.
The Top Student award increased to $5,000 this year, Specialty Equipment Market Association said, up from $4,000 previously. Other increases include scholarships for students attending four-year programs up to $3,000 from $2,000 and awards for students attending two-year programs to $2,000 from $1,000.
"Students coming through the SEMA Scholarship Program have demonstrated such great potentialm" said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. "We've increased the scholarship prizes to reward and better help prepare these students for careers in the specialty-equipment industry," "Our hope is that we'll continue to attract highly qualified students who will contribute and make strong, positive impacts in our industry."
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Criteria for the awards include: academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans.
Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at www.sema.org/scholarships.