The GAAS Scholarship Fund is now “open for business,” taking applications for 2016 scholarships on line at automotivescholarships.com.
GAAS, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) and more than 30 donors and participating organizations collaborate to give scholarship awards to applicants who apply at this site. For a full list, see the tabs on the right side of the home page. Each tab shows that organization, its awards and eligibility requirements.
Each application at this website will be considered by all the donors and organizations where the applicant meets their qualifications. Some students are considered by as many as seven groups. “It’s great for the students – one application gets it done. And, it’s great for the donors, as all get to see a large group of well-qualified applicants,” said Pete Kornafel, GAAS Scholarship program chairman.
New for 2016, the Automotive Service Councils Education Foundation has joined the group, and will award its 2016 scholarships to California students who apply at automotivescholarships.com. See the ASCEF tab on the home page for more details.
GAAS, UAF, donors and participating organizations awarded a record 370 scholarships totaling $405,450 in 2015. This includes:
• 67 GAAS awards for $69,700 to U.S. students and seven Canadian awards for $7,000
• 211 UAF awards for $230,000
• 85 awards for $98,750 funded directly by collaborating organizations
Fifty-seven students received two awards and five students received three awards. Perla Veloz, attending Ferris State University and majoring in Automotive Engineering Technology, was the record-setter, with three awards for $8,250 (Women’s Board $5,000, Fisher $2,500 and CAWA $750).
The academics of 2015 recipients are outstanding. Here are percentages of applicants whose transcripts showed GPA and class rank:
Eighty percent of recipients are in or are entering post-secondary programs to become technicians in automotive mechanical, collision or HD/Diesel programs. Another 7 percent are in four-year programs majoring in engineering, and 7 percent are majoring in business management. State wholesaler associations consider their scholarships as a “member service” and do not require automotive careers. Because of this, their scholarship recipients are sons or daughters of industry companies, but are majoring in other fields of study, said Kornafel.