Next Step Program offers scholarships for young auto care professionals

The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), in cooperation with the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), has teamed up to offer 10 young industry professionals scholarships of $1,200 to attend the Auto Care Association Spring Leadership Days through the association’s Next Step Program.

Spring Leadership Days is scheduled for May 6-8 at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale, Ariz.



The Next Step Program offers future leaders in the auto care industry opportunities to experience, up close, how the association and various aspects of the industry work. The program, formerly known as AWDA’s Next Step Program, previously provided scholarships for distributors only. With YANG’s participation this year, the revamped Next Step Program has opened its doors to young professionals performing any job function in the industry. 



“As high-quality young professionals have opportunities to connect and become more involved in the auto care industry, they are more likely to sustain long-lasting industry careers,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “The continued professional development of these bright young professionals into industry leaders is the ultimate goal of the Next Step Program.”



Scholarship recipients will participate in committee meetings and attend valuable networking events with top industry leaders during Spring Leadership Days. The 10 scholarship recipients will be chosen by a committee of AWDA and YANG leaders, and notified by March 15, 2015.



Applicants must be 40 years old or younger, a member of YANG and employed by a member company of the Auto Care Association. For full criteria and to apply, visit www.autocare.org/yang. For more information, contact Courtney Hammer at [email protected]. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2015.

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