Diamond, California — November 10, 2017 — New this year, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarships will be awarded to American high school and part-time students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries.
According to Della Domingo, SEMA Public Relations Director, the possibility of offering SEMA scholarships to Canadians has been reviewed in the past, but the decision was ultimately to keep it for US students only. Domingo noted: “The scholarship committee reviews the program regularly and is expected to review student eligibility again in the future.” She added that this is the first time that high school students are eligible for SEMA awards, and that as the landscape changes, the scholarship program does too.
Accepting applications from high school students is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.
“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.
The program also includes a loan forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA member-companies who have completed and are paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college, or vocational/technical program within the US.
Deadline for the program is March 1, 2018. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships.
