WAI Global, in collaboration with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF), has announced the establishment of the WAI Global/Bill Ernst Memorial Scholarship. This new scholarship will offer $2,500 annually to a student pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket industry. It is open to students enrolled in two-year technical college programs, vocational schools and four-year college programs, WAI Global said.
The scholarship is designed to support students who are full-time and enrolled in either a college-level program or an ASE or NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Foundation) certified automotive technical program. However, it is not available to those in graduate programs or part-time undergraduate programs, aligning with the criteria for other UAF scholarships.
Bill Ernst, the namesake of the scholarship, was a long-time employee of WAI, serving as a warehouse manager, account manager and senior account manager over his 20-year tenure. He was recognized for his dedication, tenacity in business development and his commitment to the interests of both the company and its customers. Ernst was well-regarded in the remanufacturing industry and served as a model for the kind of qualities the scholarship seeks to encourage in applicants.
The selection of recipients will be handled by a committee appointed by the UAF, which will include a representative from WAI Global. Candidates will be chosen based on their electronic applications submitted through the scholarship’s website, www.AutomotiveScholarships.com. The selection process will conform to the UAF’s established deadlines for student applications and the committee’s award decisions.
