The Auto Care Association, in partnership with its Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) segment, is now accepting applications for the 2016 Auto Care Internship Scholarship fund. This program will provide financial support for students pursuing internships across the country to gain valuable, real-world education in a variety of auto care industry careers.

The Auto Care Internship Scholarship fund is intended for college students majoring in programs that have direct application to the auto care industry, such as engineering, business, communication and information technology (IT). The fund was created to help ease the financial burden of temporary relocation for students who pursue internships in locations more than 100 miles from their permanent address. Scholarships will be in the amount of $2,500 to contribute to the costs of round-trip travel from their permanent address to the internship location, lodging, utilities and food.

“The Auto Care Internship Scholarships give many students the valuable opportunity to learn a great deal about the auto care industry without having to worry about the cost of being away from their normal residences,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “As part of the Auto Care Association’s new Job and Career Development Program, these scholarships also support companies in their efforts to recruit the best and brightest new talent.”

Last year, AWDA awarded seven scholarships to students across the country.

“With the Auto Care Internship Scholarship, I was able to fully cover my travel and living costs in Des Moines,” said Ian Stout, 2016 scholarship recipient, GCommerce internship. “I was also able to afford a nice apartment in Grand View University with five other college students who were also interning in Des Moines.”

Applicants are required to submit an application and a college transcript, and write a brief essay about their career goals and why the internship will help them achieve those goals. They also are required to submit an Internship Verification Form from the employer, signed by the internship director or hiring manager. Scholarship recipients will be chosen by a selection committee that includes members of AWDA and the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) Advisory Council.

There are 10 scholarships available, and the application deadline is April 29.

Auto Care Association member companies that currently have an internship program should encourage eligible students to apply for this scholarship. For more information, and the application, click here or email [email protected].