RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The New York State Automotive Aftermarket Association (NYSAAA) will be collaborating with the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee in creating an online scholarship resource for students planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket.

"NYSAAA is excited to join with GAAS in their online application procedure for a scholarship in an automotive aftermarket field of study. We feel that this is the best way to make possible applicants aware of the industry scholarships available and this is also a great opportunity to support the automotive aftermarket by helping potential employees with their educational goals," said Richard Shea, executive director of NYSAAA.

This industry association cooperation will allow students interested in aftermarket careers to submit one application for 2009 scholarships online at http://www.automotivescholarships.com and receive consideration for scholarships from a variety of different automotive organizations. One-hundred-and-fifteen GAAS scholarships were awarded in 2008, including 10 awards received by students from Canada. Including this year's awards, GAAS has presented more than 1,400 scholarships and more than $1.4 million since it was formed.

"We are pleased to have NYSAAA join our collaborative efforts to create a 'one stop shop' for students interested in automotive aftermarket careers. With NYSAAA's involvement, we are now one step closer to this important industry goal," said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee.