2022 SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Award Winners Announced

Nearly $300,000 distributed to 119 students and recent graduates

DIAMOND BAR, CA – September 2, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund issued a total of $297,250 in scholarships and loan forgiveness awards to help 119 individuals who currently work for, or are planning to pursue careers in, the automotive aftermarket industry. The winners include 103 students who received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and 16 employees of SEMA-member companies who received loan forgiveness awards to help pay off student loans.

“The SEMA Scholarship Program receives some incredibly impressive applications from students every year,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. “This year’s applications were especially noteworthy. The accomplishments, dedication, and passion that came through the applications was remarkable. We’re pleased and honored to be able to support so many individuals through the program.”

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1984 to help support the future of the automotive aftermarket industry. Since its inception, more than $3 million has been awarded to deserving students. One of the primary criteria for scholarship recipients is that the winner must have clearly demonstrated a passion for the automotive industry.

“There are many career tracks and opportunities in the automotive industry,” said Standifer. “We’re here to support students from all majors. Winners go on to pursue a variety of careers; the common denominator is their love for automobiles.”

The online application for next year’s program will open in January 2023 at www.sema.org/scholarships.

SEMA Scholarship Award Winners

Recipient (Institution Name, Major)

• Aaron Bodenham (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Adam Valentine (Ohio State University-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering)
• Allyssa Bryant (The University of Alabama, Engineering)
• Anthony Carrao (College of Southern Nevada, Autobody Collision)
• Benjamin Tai (Clark College, Automotive)
• Boni Yraguen (Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brad Nelson (Brigham Young University-Provo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brandan Marhefka (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Welding)
• Brayden Grimm (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Brendan Stejskal (Pittsburg State University, Automotive Technology)
• Brian Gonzalez (The University of Texas at El Paso, Electrical…