MONTGOMERY – A second round of scholarships will be awarded this year for 50
students to train for automotive manufacturing careers at Alabama’s community
colleges.
The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and Alabama Community College
System have partnered to provide a total $180,000 in scholarships, as well as mentors,
to 50 students who want to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree
in the automotive manufacturing industry. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.
The first scholarship recipients were awarded earlier this year to start programs this fall.
Students awarded after the November deadline will begin classes in the spring, summer
or fall semesters of 2020.
Interested students with at least a 2.5 GPA can learn more information and apply
directly through the website, https://dreamitdoitalabama.com/aama/. Applicants must
use the scholarship toward an automotive-related program, including the following:
Automotive Manufacturing Technology; Automotive Manufacturing; Automotive Service
Technician; Computer Numerical Control; Engineering Technology; Industrial
Electronics Technology; Industrial Maintenance Technology; Injection Molding;
Logistics; Machine Shop/Tool Technology; Manufacturing Technology; Mechanical
Design Technology; Mechatronics; or Welding Technology.
AAMA President Ron Davis said the scholarship program was designed to build interest
in the exciting and rewarding careers the automotive industry offers.
“The access our scholarship recipients have to mentors in the industry, in addition to the
training they’ll receive while studying at an Alabama community college, provides
tremendous opportunities in the automotive manufacturing industry,” Davis said. “Our
partnership with Alabama’s community colleges is industry and education working
together the way they should to help individuals succeed.”
Jeff Lynn, ACCS’ Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, said the
scholarship opportunity complements other work-based learning initiatives in place for
community colleges to continually provide world-class training that meets Alabama’s
industry needs. Such programs, including the expansion of apprenticeships and
internships, add significant value to industry-led training at the community colleges.
“The best advice we receive for how to educate and train an excellent workforce for
employers and entrepreneurs is directly from the source – Alabama industry,” Lynn
said. “With industry input and continued investment in career and technical training,
including scholarships and new programs, the Alabama Community College System is
providing what both employees and employers need to succeed.”
The total award is $3,600 for each student. The award covers tuition, fees and/or books
needed. A full submission for the scholarship requires the following: a completed
application; a resume; a maximum 500-word essay on why the student wants to work in
Alabama’s automotive industry; one signed reference letter; an unofficial college or high
school transcript; and a headshot photo.
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About AAMA
Since 2001, the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has provided
awareness of manufacturing trends, techniques and concerns within the automotive
manufacturing industry through interaction among automotive companies in Alabama.
The association’s mission is to promote growth and continuous improvement of
automotive manufacturing in Alabama.
About ACCS
With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, the Alabama Community
College System (ACCS) is Alabama's gateway to first-class, affordable education and
technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 168,000
Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree
programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the
Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings
directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community
College System Board of Trustees.
Mandy Bezeredi
Career Technical Chair & Career Coach
Coastal Alabama Community College
251-580-2169