The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has donated $245,000 total in scholarships and loan forgiveness awards, according to a press release.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is part of a program that was founded in 1984 and has awarded over $3 million to students looking to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

This year, 104 students were awarded, with 87 of them receiving scholarships ranging between $1,000 and $5,000, and another 17 employees from SEMA-member companies being given loan forgiveness toward student loan debt.

“SEMA receives a large number of scholarship applications each year, and the quality of this year’s applicants was truly inspiring and impressive,” SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer stated. “Their passion and innovative mindset were evident in their applications, and it gives us great hope that they will continue to advance the aftermarket industry and make a lasting impact.”

Applications for next year’s program will begin to be accepted starting January 2024.