RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Kentucky/Indiana Automotive Wholesalers Association (KIAWA) has awarded two students with scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. Jacob Wing of Crown Point, Ind., and Ashlee Tarrance of Roundhill, Ky., were awarded $1,000 scholarships from the George Wilson III and KIAWA scholarship, named in honor of the first president of KIAWA who served from 1959 to 1994.

KIAWA is the latest group to collaborate in the online scholarship resource established by the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee for students planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket. Applicants for its 2009/2010 awards were taken through the automotive scholarships’ website, www.automotivescholarships.com.

“We were thrilled to have KIAWA join us this year at the automotive scholarship website,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee. “KIAWA’s scholars are typical of the outstanding applications we have received this year, and more than 300 students applied.”

“Our collaboration with the GAAS scholarship committee and the automotive scholarship site enabled us to reach out to more students in the Kentucky and Indiana area,” said Kim Rominger, executive director, KIAWA. “We were extremely pleased with the process and with the caliber of applicants this year.”

The annual two-day Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium brings together industry leaders and experts to examine the issues and trends affecting the automotive aftermarket and influencing its future. The 2009 event is set for Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. The annual GAAS Scholarship program is funded through proceeds from the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium event.  More details are at www.globalsymposium.org.