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SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund |
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Scholarship Mission Statement
To foster industry leadership by supporting the education of students pursing careers in the automotive aftermarket.
History
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund was founded in 1984 to foster leadership opportunities in the specialty equipment marketplace and support educational goals for students. Over the past two decades, SEMA Scholarships have supported over 400 students with more than $1,000,000 in scholarship awards. The program rewards the best and brightest students engaged in studies leading to a career in the automotive aftermarket or a related field.
Previous Winners
"I just want to thank SEMA for giving me this great opportunity! Being a SEMA Intern in 2006 is the reason I have my dream job!"
- Jeffrey Robbins, Technical Sales/Support, Edelbrock; School: UNOH
Chase Steele, SEMA Scholarship recipient in 2005
Worsham Racing, Service clutch on Del Worsham's Nitro Funny Car; School: UNOH
 For more information, contact SEMA Scholarship Fund by e-mail at education@sema.org.
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SEMA Memorial Scholarships and Eligibility |
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In response to the rising costs of education, the SEMA Scholarship program was restructured in 2004 to cover a broader base of students attending various universities, colleges, and/or vocational schools in both the United States and Canada. To further offer incentives for students to apply for SEMA scholarships, the award categories were increased with incentives positioned for the top applicant with the highest academic standing in select categories.
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Academic Level |
Educational Institution |
Scholarship Awards Available |
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Graduate Studies |
4-year accredited University or College |
$4,000 *
$2,000 |
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Undergraduate Studies – Senior or Junior Class |
4-year accredited University or College |
$4,000 *
$2,000 |
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Undergraduate Studies – Sophomore Class |
2-year University or College |
$1,000 |
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Vocational or Technical School |
2-year Program |
$1,000 |
* Top scoring applicant to receive higher scholarship award based on established evaluation criteria.
Student Qualification Requirements
- Minimum 2.5 grade point average
- Must be enrolled in a full-time program with an accredited university, college, or proprietary program in the United States or Canada.
- Pursuing studies leading to a career in the automotive aftermarket or related field
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Loan Forgiveness Scholarships |
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The Scholarship Committee introduced a Loan Forgiveness Program in 2004 to perpetuate the automotive industry by recruiting college graduates into SEMA-member companies.
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Student/Employee |
Outstanding Student Loans |
Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Award |
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Post-graduation with 1-year minimum employment by a SEMA-member company |
Confirmed and documented student loans outstanding |
$1,000** |
Loan Forgiveness Scholarship Criteria:
- Minimum of 1 full year of employment at SEMA-member company
- School transcripts required to confirm graduation
- Confirmed and documented outstanding student loans
- Letter of recommendation from employer
- Loan Forgiveness Scholarship is a one-time only award.
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Application Procedure |
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The scholarship application must be submitted as a complete packet and include:
SEMA Memorial Scholarship Application or Loan Forgiveness Application completed in its entirety. A resume in lieu of a completed application is not acceptable. Official, sealed transcripts for all college or post-secondary course work completed through the first quarter or semester of the current year. Loan Forgiveness applicants must also provide documentation of outstanding student loans. Personal essay Two (2) letters of recommendation from professor, career counselor, or employer. Current photograph for publication and promotional use.
Do not include photos, copies of personal certificates, awards or other items with the application. These items are not considered part of the application packet and will be discarded.
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Selection of Scholarship Recipients |
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All applications will be reviewed and the scholarship recipients selected by an independent panel of judges from education and business. Neither the staff nor members of Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will participate in any phase of the selection, nor influence the decisions of the panel. Selection will be based on:
- Review of the completed application
- Review of transcripts and grade point average
- A personal essay indicating intent to enter the automotive aftermarket or related automotive industry and why you believe you deserve this scholarship
- Supporting recommendation letters
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Mailing Application |
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Mail the completed application and all supporting documents in one envelope to:
SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund
1575 S. Valley Vista Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Attention: Education Department
The total number of scholarships annually awarded will vary in relation to the number of qualified applicants. A maximum 20% of all scholarship awards will be designated to qualified SEMA-member dependants and/or employees. Any scholarship not claimed within one year of the original date will be voided.
All applications and supporting documents become the property of SEMA and will not be returned. Only fully completed applications with the original supporting documents will be considered. FAX applications will not be accepted.
It remains the responsibility of the applicant to verify that the application and supporting documents are received at SEMA.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship is open to any applicant regardless of age, sex, race, creed, color, ethnic origin or personal beliefs. SEMA employees and their family members are not eligible.
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Donor Information |
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Donations in any amount are accepted and appreciated; since the SEMA Scholarship Fund is a 501-(c)-(3) corporation, all contributions are fully tax deductible.
For more information, contact SEMA Scholarship Fund by e-mail at education@sema.org.
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Other Scholarship Resources |
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Visit SEMA Scholarship Resources for other available scholarship resources and information.
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