RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – A recent survey of Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship winners who have completed their education reveals that more than 80 percent of respondents are actively employed in the automotive industry today. 
“The good news is that 61 percent of the past GAAS Scholarship winners who participated in the survey are working in the automotive aftermarket, and an additional 22 percent are working as technicians at OE vehicle dealers,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the GAAS Scholarship committee. “This survey shows that GAAS Scholarships continue to have a track record of more than 80 percent of its recipients buying, selling, installing or manufacturing automotive parts."
The GAAS Scholarship committee conducts an annual survey of past recipients after they have completed their education and embarked on their careers. This year’s survey was sent to 2006 GAAS Scholarship recipients. The survey had a response rate of more than 20 percent, which is consistent with past GAAS Scholarship surveys.
“One of the most gratifying parts of this annual survey is the comments the scholarship recipients share with us about their education and careers,” Kornafel noted. “The GAAS Scholarship fund is fulfilling the goal set by the Symposium’s founders of bringing new talent to the automotive industry.”
Comments from this year’s survey included:
• “My personal goal was to graduate from college debt-free, and with the scholarship I was able to accomplish that.”
• “It was very helpful. Wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to afford classes until it came through.”
• “The scholarship helped, and the college has given me the incentive to continue two years longer than I planned. I will graduate in December 2009 with three automotive degrees.”
• “I really could not have afforded my education without your help.”
GAAS Scholarship alumni have their own section at the GAAS Scholarship Web site, www.automotivescholarships.com/alumni.cfm. Past scholarship recipients can log in using the e-mail address and password they used when they applied for the scholarship. Any scholarship alumni who experiences difficulty logging in should contact Pete Kornafel, [email protected].
Applications are now being accepted online for the 2010 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship, awarded to students planning automotive aftermarket careers. The electronic application is available at www.automotivescholarships.com. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 31, 2010.
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].
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 2010 event is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago, Ill. Details are at www.globalsymposium.org.
The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and University of the Aftermarket.
