BETHESDA, Md. (Feb. 19, 2014) — Applications are being accepted through March 31 for the Jack Thayer Memorial Scholarship for automotive students.
The scholarship was announced by the Midwest Automotive Parts and Service Association (MAPSA) and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. The scholarship program assists students affiliated with MAPSA who wish to continue their education beyond the secondary level.
A minimum of one scholarship is awarded each academic year to qualified undergraduate students who have applied or are enrolled full time at an accredited college or university and are working or planning to work toward an associate's or bachelor's degree. More recently known as the Ohio Valley Automotive Aftermarket Association (OVAAA), MAPSA is a non-profit trade group representing all aftermarket businesses in the region.
The annual scholarship is named in the memory of industry leader Jack Thayer, who spent his career in the automotive aftermarket in Ohio. Mr. Thayer served as chairman of the Ohio Automotive Wholesalers Association (OAWA) from 1979-1981 and treasurer of OAWA/OVAAA for nearly 20 years.
“The University of the Aftermarket Foundation is pleased to partner with MAPSA again this year to assist a deserving student wishing to continue their education,” said Rusty Bishop, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “By providing scholarship matching funds to organizations like MAPSA, the foundation can further its goals of giving back to the industry through education.”
To get more information and apply online for the scholarship, visit its website.
Since 1986, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs “to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket work force.”
The foundation said it “encourages industry support, including donations for the purpose of honoring or memorializing individuals or otherwise recognizing special events, to help ensure the continued availability of training and education that strengthen the industry.”
For more information about the foundation, call 816-584-0511.