The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund issued a total of $296,000 in scholarships and loan forgiveness awards to help 119 individuals who currently work or are planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 97 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and 22 employees of SEMA-member companies who received loan forgiveness awards to help pay off student loans.
For the first time in the program’s history, five students have been awarded Top Student Awards valued at $5,000 – the highest award possible. In addition to the financial awards, this year’s scholarship program also includes 10 winners who will be selected to take part in an inaugural SEMA Show student experience. The 10 students will be flown to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November, where they will participate in the industry’s leading trade event, make business connections and gain valuable experience.
“We’re excited to honor another fantastic group of students and members to represent the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Program,” SEMA Student Program Committee Chair Ian Lehn said. “We are particularly thrilled for the student experience, and are excited to have top students join us at the SEMA Show for hands-on, real-world experience. They will see the SEMA Show up close, leave with meaningful industry connections and experience the magic that one can only get by being at the SEMA Show.”
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Show student experience are designed to encourage and support future talent and leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry. Scholarships are awarded annually to foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers. This year’s awards brings the total amount issued since the program’s founding in 1984 to more than $3 million
The online application for next year’s award will open starting in January of 2022, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
