BETHESDA, Md. – The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) have announced matching $25,000 contributions to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation to be used specifically to support additional scholarships for students interested in careers in the motor vehicle aftermarket.
 
“I am extremely pleased with AWDA’s and AAIA’s willingness to step up and vigorously support aftermarket scholarships. Education has been at the core of both associations’ missions. The combined $50,000 in scholarship funds will benefit many deserving young people,” said Rusty Bishop, Foundation chairman, and CEO of Federated Auto Parts.
 
AWDA Chairman Bill Maggs, president of National Pronto Association, added, “This is what our AWDA Funds are all about. With Rusty at the leadership of University of the Aftermarket Foundation, I am confident this contribution will help our industry and provide for future aftermarket talent.”
 
“Momentum is growing to support and promote the fact that the car care industry is a great place to work,” said Tim Lee, AAIA chair. “Part of the attraction is our commitment to education and training. Through AAIA and AWDA, we are putting our money where our mouths are in support of scholarships to help attract and retain the best and the brightest young employees.”
 
“It is the foundation’s hope that these contributions will spur additional giving,” said Bishop. “To this point, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has had great success, but I believe that we, as an industry, can do even more to make education more readily available to those who seek an aftermarket career.”
 
Those interested in offering financial support to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation can click on this link to download the donation form.