Required Reading

SEMA News—October 2019

REQUIRED READING

The Importance of Youth

Fostering the future generation of leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry is one of SEMA’s key initiatives. To do so, the association has several dedicated programs that help identify career opportunities and support young enthusiasts. From educational programs that encourage youth to be a part of the aftermarket industry to providing financial support to students pursuing careers in an automotive field, SEMA keeps young enthusiasts at the forefront of its industry advocacy efforts. Below are some articles that have been recently written about SEMA’s youth outreach efforts.

*ClassicCars.com Journal* When SEMA released its “SEMA Young Accessorizers Report” earlier this year, ClassicCars.com Journal Editor Larry Edsall was quick to inform his readers about its findings. Research found that almost 8 million drivers aged 16–24 accessorize their vehicles on an annual basis and spent more than $7 billion doing so in 2018.
Santa Ynez Valley News As part of its High School Vehicle Build Program, SEMA donated Jeep Wranglers to five high schools throughout the country to customize with donated aftermarket parts. Each Jeep was auctioned in July to help support future builds. Santa Ynez Valley News Editor Lisa Andre covered the build conducted by students at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.
Tomorrow’s Tech SEMA has been awarding scholarships to students preparing for careers in the auto industry since 1984. More than 1,500 scholarships exceeding $2.5 million have been awarded to date. Applications for 2020 will begin to be accepted later this year at www.sema.org/scholarships.
Heard on Social Media “SEMA is expanding its youth outreach efforts by partnering with the NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) program, which introduces middle and high-school students to race events.”—Auto Care Week/The Greensheet, via Twitter “SEMA is auctioning off five custom student Jeep Wrangler builds to support its High School Vehicle Build Program and fund future student projects.”—Traction News, via Facebook “SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2019 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in auto and parts industries.”—12 Volt News, via Twitter “Automotive Celebrity Jeff Allen Is Building a Car to Benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.”—Rainbow News Line, via Twitter