RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Parts & Service Association of Illinois (APSA of IL) has awarded six students scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year. Each will receive $500 scholarships to further their education.

APSA of IL, an Illinois-based automotive aftermarket association, is one of many regional associations that collaborate in the online scholarship resource for students planning to pursue careers in the automotive aftermarket provided by the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee. Since 1962, APSA of IL has awarded $167,000 in financial assistance to 172 students.

Kyler Kalebich of Crestwood, Ill., is the 2010 recipient of the Thomas F. Roche Memorial Scholarship. He is planning to attend Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Ill. This scholarship is awarded to the most deserving applicant for the RSMF Scholarship based on academic excellence, career goals and previous accomplishments.

Five students are recipients of Ralph Silverman Memorial Foundation Scholarships:
• Kyler Bailey of Albion, Ill., Frontier Community College, Fairfield, Ill.
• Tim Hatcher of Joliet, Ill., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill.
• Robert Holzheimer of Elk Grove Village, Ill., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill.
• John Strle of Shorewood, Ill., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill.
• Austin Tewksbury of Glenview, Ill., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill.

"APSA of IL scholars are typical of the 375 outstanding applications we received this year," said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee. "Through the efforts of APSA of IL and other regional associations, along with the supporters of the GAAS scholarship fund, we are able to assist these students pursuing their dreams of an automotive aftermarket career."

"Our collaboration with the GAAS Scholarship Committee and the automotive scholarship site has enabled us to reach out to more students in our area," said Matt Wells, executive vice president, APSA of IL. "We are extremely pleased with the online process and with the caliber of applicants and look forward to working through the GAAS scholarship site again next year."

The GAAS Scholarship Committee recently announced that it is presenting awards to 86 U.S. students for the 2010-2011 academic year. In its 15-year history, the fund has presented awards to approximately 1,500 students.

Applicants for its 2010-2011 awards were taken through the automotive scholarships’ website, www.automotivescholarships.com. Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. Contributions can be made to the GAAS Scholarship Fund, c/o Susan Medick at AAIA, at 301-654-6664, or [email protected].