Frequently Asked Questions and Facts

• How long has GAAS existed?
  The program was founded in 1996.
  
  
• How many scholarships are granted?
  GAAS awards about 100 scholarships per year of $1,000 each. More than 20 additional organizations award scholarships ranging from $250 to $2,500.  Over the 15-year history, more than 1,500 scholarships and more than $1.5 million have been awarded.
  
  
• Who provides the funds?
  The GAAS scholarship program is funded from the net proceeds of the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, and additional contributions. See the Symposium section of this site or visit the Symposium website for more information about the Symposium.
  
  
• Who is eligible for a GAAS Scholarship?
  See the eligibility requirements on the GAAS Scholarship page at this site.
  
  
• Who gets the funds?
  The scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied to their account.
  
  
• What is the Matching Grant?
  Students who receive a GAAS scholarship and begin a career as an automotive aftermarket technician are eligible for a matching grant. They must graduate from their education program and complete six months of employment in the automotive aftermarket as a technician. Eligible students should contact Barbara Clark (see the "Contact Us' page) to arrange their matching grant upon completion of these requirements. This grant is made directly to the student.
  
  
• What is the deadline?
  Applications may be made on-line for the 2012 scholarships starting September , 2011, and must be completed by March 31, 2012.
  
  
• When will I know if I received a scholarship?
  The GAAS Scholarship selection committee will meet in May, 2012. Other organizations make their selections throughout the summer.  All applicants will be notified by fall, 2012.
  
  
• When are the funds available?
  Recipients need to contact Barbara Clark to confirm their school. The scholarship funds can be sent to the school beginning in July.  There is a link to contact Barbara on the "Contact us" tab.
  
  
• How can I contact GAAS?
  For questions about Scholarship Applications, or to submit documents for scholarship applications:  Contact Emily McConnell, c/o MEMA, P.O. Box 13966, Research Triangle Park, NC  27709-3966.   Phone (919) 406-8811.  E-mail media@mema.org, Fax (919) 549-4824.
  

For questions about scholarship awards or second awards:  Contact Barbara Clark, c/o AAIA, 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814.  Phone (301) 654-6664 ext. 1063, E-mail, barbclark@kaballero.com, Fax (301) 654-3299.

You may also contact me directly about any issue.  Pete Kornafel, Chairman, GAAS Scholarship Selection Committee.  pete@carquest.com. 

• How do the other Scholarships work? 
  GAAS collaborates with other organizations who also award Scholarships to students preparing for automotive aftermarket careers.   Your application is first reviewed to determine all the organizations where you meet their qualifications.  Your application will be considered by all of those organizations.  Each organization makes their own selections, and you may receive more than one scholarship.  Note that some organizations have special requirements.  Please review the pages for each organization on this website.