AASPMN, WIN announce 2026 scholarship opportunities

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASPMN) will award up to $20,000 in scholarships to select students enrolled in post-secondary auto service or collision repair programs.

Scholarship awards will range from $500–$2,000 per student and can be used for tuition or tool purchases.

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a Minnesota-based ASE-accredited automotive program in the fall of 2026.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, with consideration given to scholastic achievement, education and career goals, financial need, and written recommendations.

Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by March 31.

Online submissions allow students to compete for several different awards, including those offered by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship Committee and over 40 other automotive aftermarket organizations and companies, according to an AASPMN press release.

Specific requirements for each organization’s awards are detailed at automotivescholarships.com.

AASPMN’s Automotive Education Fund was established in 2002 to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs, and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry.

So far, nearly $365,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA, and automotive education programs across the state.

In 2016, AASPMN’s efforts to attract a future workforce expanded significantly with the creation of Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS), a statewide marketing and outreach initiative to encourage high school students to pursue an education and career in the automotive service and collision repair industry.

AASPMN will also hold its 24th Annual Race for Automotive Education in February to raise money for automotive students and programs.

The event will be held Feb. 23-26 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville, Minnesota. The event serves as the association’s primary fundraiser for its Automotive Education Fund.

Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over $350,000 directly to students enrolled in automotive programs through the association’s scholarship program and SkillsUSA competition.

AASPMN members and other industry supporters will organize teams to compete in go-kart racing at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

When the final checkered flag waves, the Race for Automotive Education is expected to raise over $15,000, which is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in ASE-accredited Minnesota automotive programs, including collision repair and auto service, according to an AASPMN press release.

Scholarship awards will be announced in the spring.

For more information, visit aaspmn.org or call Linden Wicklund at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071.

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has also announced that students enrolled in collision repair programs can apply for multiple U.S. WIN scholarships for financial support, mentorship, tools, and networking opportunities.

WIN has partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to administer its scholarship program to encourage and empower women with a passion for the collision repair industry, a WIN press release states.

Applications will be accepted until March 6.

Through student membership, students gain access to technical courses, industry insights, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and comprehensive scholarship offerings, the release states.

WIN is offering four award levels to U.S. students enrolled in collision repair programs:

• • Champions Award: $2,500 scholarship plus mentorship, tools, SWAG, virtual conference pass, and student engagement benefits
  • Stars Award: $500 scholarship with the same additional benefits
  • Trailblazers Award: $500 scholarship with mentorship and engagement opportunities
  • Legends Award: Tools, mentorship, and full student benefits

Canadian students and registered apprentices can also apply for WIN’s new Canadian Scholarship Award for $1,000 in support, plus mentorship, a virtual conference pass, and full student member benefits.

Students must be enrolled in collision repair programs or registered apprenticeships and provide instructor/mentor referrals.

The WIN Scholarship Committee reviews applications based on academic standing, career commitment, and individual circumstances.

“WIN’s Student Membership program also provides access to a number of valuable resources and opportunities in addition to scholarship opportunities,” said Tracy Bracht, WIN’s 2026 Scholarship/Student Relations Committee chair, in the release. “WIN’s commitment to driving the future of the industry is anchored by our investment in women aspiring to work in collision repair,”

As part of the application process, each WIN Scholarship applicant receives a complimentary WIN Student Membership.

WIN also supports collision repair instructors with free WIN memberships through the “Pay It Forward” campaign.

In addition, WIN scholarship recipients are also eligible for tool kits.

This past year, WIN expanded its signature scholarship program, supporting a record 30 female students who demonstrated a desire to excel in collision repair.

All applicants must be high school seniors or post-secondary students currently enrolled in a collision repair program and must have been studying collision repair for at least one semester before applying for the awards.

Students will be considered for all scholarships/tool grants based on the individual eligibility factors of each award. The eligibility factors can include gender, school attending, year in school, future plans, outside activities, and/or financial need.

The collision instructor must complete the Collision Repair School Solutions Survey for their students to be eligible for any of the scholarship/tool grant opportunities.

Images

Featured image: Jacqueline Nguyen, WIN 2025 Scholarship recipient (Provided by WIN)