RIVERSIDE COUNTY – Applications for automotive scholarships are now available through the 2013 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF) at www.sema.org/scholarships. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries may be eligible for financial awards of up to $5,000.

The $5,000 Top Student award marks an increase from the award’s previous amount of $4,000. Similarly, scholarships for students attending four-year programs are up from $2,000 to $3,000, and awards for students attending two-year programs increased from $1,000 to $2,000.

"Students coming through the SEMA Scholarship Program have demonstrated such great potential. We’ve increased the scholarship prizes to reward and better help prepare these students for careers in the specialty-equipment industry," said Jamie Eriksen, SEMA education director. "Our hope is that we’ll continue to attract highly qualified Advertisement

[ Carrington Home Loans ] students who will contribute and make strong, positive impacts in our industry."

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may re-apply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria.

A loan forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available at

www.sema.org/scholarships.

The application deadline for all SMSF awards is March 29. For additional details, visit www.sema.org/scholarships or contact Juliet Marshall at julietm@sema.org or (909) 978-6655.