BETHESDA, Md. (Aug. 25, 2014) — The University of the Aftermarket Foundation has approved a grant for a scholarship program that promotes quality and high standards through education within the automotive aftermarket industry.
The scholarship is from the CAWA—California Automotive Wholesalers' Association—and represents the automotive parts industry's Education Memorial Fund.
CAWA is a non-profit trade association representing automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers, jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers and program groups. The trade group was formed in 1955 and serves as the voice of the aftermarket parts industry in the West.
“CAWA does an outstanding job identifying talented individuals interested in pursuing a career in our industry,” said Rusty Bishop, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “Last year 10 deserving recipients received a total of $8,000 from the CAWA memorial scholarship fund to further their automotive educational pursuits. We are pleased to partner with CAWA to help fund these scholarships.”
To be eligible, an applicant must be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate and must be enrolled, or planning to enroll, as a full-time undergraduate student in a curriculum leading to a degree or certificate from an accredited college, university or technical institute. In addition, a candidate must be pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket or business and must be a legal resident of, or attending school in, Arizona, California or Nevada, according to the foundation. A letter of recommendation and sponsorship by a CAWA member also is recommended.
Applications will be accepted beginning Sept. 15. For more information and/or to apply online for the CAWA scholarships, visit the association's website.
The foundation said that since 1986 it has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs “to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket work force.”
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 on the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, call 816-584-0511.