BETHESDA, MD — The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) has awarded 461 scholarships to students throughout the country, totaling a record $731,350 for the upcoming school year.
The scholarship recipients will be attending a two-year or four-year college or university or an accredited automotive vocational program.
While the majority of the students are studying to become mechanical, collision or heavy-duty repair professionals, others are pursuing degrees in such fields as business, engineering and IT/cybersecurity that will lead to a career in the automotive aftermarket, the foundation said.
In addition, many named scholarships were awarded on behalf of a variety of individuals and organizations.
That includes 13 awarded the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship, in memory of the late founder of Federated Auto Parts.
"Every year there are many exceptional candidates who apply for the Art Fisher Memorial scholarships and this year was no exception," said Bo Fisher, chairman of Federated Auto Parts. "We want to congratulate these young men and women on their outstanding achievements and wish them well as they continue in their educational pursuits. Everyone at Federated is proud to help these students achieve their academic goals and being able to do so in my father's name makes it extra special."
A complete list of recipients can be found at automotiveScholarships.com/scholarship-alumni.
"We are very proud of the growth of the UAF scholarship program," UAF chairman Bob Egan said. "This year marks the most scholarship funds awarded by UAF and its collaborating partners in the foundation's history."
To be considered, scholarship candidates submitted an application online at AutomotiveScholarships.com or HeavyDutyScholarships.com. Once the teams of volunteer scholarship reviewers evaluated all of the completed applications, recipients and their corresponding schools were notified of the awards.
"Awarding so many scholarships would not be possible without the generosity of those who donate their time and resources to UAF," said Egan. "Their support of UAF helps ensure that the aftermarket remains vibrant and strong through education."
Since 1986, the UAF has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs to help develop a knowledgeable aftermarket workforce.
