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SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is a grant from SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) that funds students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. This annual scholarship provides financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help cover educational costs for students passionate about the specialty equipment market sector.
Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students in the United States or Canada who attend accredited universities, colleges, or vocational and technical schools. Applications for the 2026 cycle are open with a deadline of April 3, 2026.
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2026 SEMA SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATIONS NOW OPENÂ | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 2026 SEMA SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN 2026 SEMA SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN 2026 SEMA SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN -- Financial assistance of up to $5,000 available to support students seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket -- DIAMOND BAR, Calif.
(Jan. 5, 2026) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund , an initiative designed to help students and emerging professionals launch successful careers in the automotive industry.
Through the scholarship program, eligible students may receive awards of up to $5,000 to support their education at accredited universities, colleges, and vocational or technical schools in the United States and Canada. SEMA also offers loan forgiveness awards of up to $2,000 for employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed a qualifying program of study and are actively repaying student loans.
“The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund exists to break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of aftermarket professionals,” said Joe Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “By investing in both students and existing employees alike, we are building a stronger talent pipeline, fostering career growth, and securing the future of our industry.
” The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to promote career development and create access to opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. As part of this initiative, scholarship recipients are invited to attend the SEMA Show, where they can gain industry insight, connect with industry leaders, and explore career pathways firsthand.
For students like Zachary Beenen, the support from SEMA enabled him to attend the college of his choice: Oklahoma State University. Beenen is currently majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering with a future career in the area of performance vehicles.
“I am forever thankful for scholarships like SEMA’s that will help me achieve my career goals of working in the performance vehicle industry, while getting the many experiences that college has to offer,” he said. Scholarship applications are open to high school seniors and college students in the United States and Canada who demonstrate a passion for working in the automotive industry. All disciplines are welcome.
Those interested in applying for a loan forgiveness award must be employed by a SEMA member business, demonstrate passion for an automotive career, possess a degree or certificate from a college, university, or career tech school in the United States or Canada, and have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans. Applications are open through April 3, 2026, at www. sema.
org/scholarships . The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again.
Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy, and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. , and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates.
The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1. 3 million jobs nationally, and generates more than $52. 6 billion in parts sales annually.
For more information, visit www. sema. org.
Specialty Equipment Market Association 1575 S. Valley Vista Drive
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: High school seniors or college students in the US or Canada with a passion for the automotive industry, attending accredited universities, colleges, or vocational/technical schools. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $5,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is April 3, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
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