Nov. 10, 2017—The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is taking applications for its 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund was created for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries.

New this year, high school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. The deadline for the program is March 1. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA member-companies who have completed and are paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college, or vocational/technical program within the U.S.

Students can apply for the scholarship here.