Applications are now being accepted online for the 2009 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarships, awarded to students planning careers in the automotive aftermarket. The process is entirely electronic, through the GAAS scholarship website, www.autonv3tivescholarships.com. The deadline for applying is March 31, 2009.

The scholarships are available to students in two-year technical college programs and vocational schools, and four-year college programs. To receive a GAAS scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or a NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Foundation) accredited automotive technical program. Graduate and part-time undergraduate programs do not qualify.

Recipients of GAAS scholarships can receive two financial grants-one while they're in school to assist with tuition and an equivalent grant when they graduate from their program and show proof of postgraduation employment as a technician in the automotive aftermarket for at least six months.

By completing a single online application at the GAAS website, students will be considered for scholarships from a number of industry partners, in addition to those GAAS awards.

In 2008, 115 GAAS scholarships were awarded. The annual investment to develop future automotive aftermarket industry leaders is funded through proceeds from the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, in addition to a number of other sources, including individuals, companies and foundations.

The 2009 two-day Symposium is set for May 6-7 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. Complete details about the event can be found at www.globalsymposium.org.

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