AUTO TECH STUDENTS RECEIVE $20K IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO PURSUE CAREERS IN HIGH DEMAND FIELD
Queens-Based Trade Association, Greater New York Auto Dealers Association, raised over $1M for scholarships to support automotive technology education
Four students enrolled at a Queens postsecondary technical institute have been awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to pursue careers as automotive technicians, a highly in-demand field that provides a pathway to quality long-term careers.
The scholarships were awarded by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), which represents over 400 franchise new car dealerships in Metro New York, at its annual charity golf outing at Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, N.Y.
The four students received $5,000 each to further their education and enter the industry, at franchise new vehicle dealerships in the New York area.
Since creating the scholarship program in 2005, GNYADA has raised more than $1 million on behalf of automotive education. Funds are raised at the tournament through the generosity of franchise new car dealers, sponsors and others.
The recipients are: Destanie Greczkowski, of Jamaica, Queens; German Gonzalez, of East Elmhurst, Queens; Oliver Zhou, of Howard Beach, Queens; and Elias Soto of Yonkers, N.Y.
All plan to pursue careers as auto technicians at new car dealerships in the metro New York area. There are thousands of jobs opening in the industry
“They are the future of our industry and it is looking very bright indeed,” said
Mark Schienberg, President of GNYADA. “These students have worked so hard to achieve the level of skills that are critical to be in the auto industry. GNYADA and its member dealers are proud to support the education of so many talented young people at Lincoln Tech.”
“I really feel like this is going to change my life and really enable me to do what I love” said Mr. Zhou. “In New York, there are so many opportunities, so many dealerships, so many jobs and so much opportunity for growth.”
“Since I was a little kid, I always loved cars. I had cars under my bed, everywhere,” said Mr. Gonzalez. “I’m so glad I found this school. My parents are proud of me because I’m really doing what I like.”
“I’m so excited to begin my career in an area that I’m truly passionate about,” said Mr. Soto. “My particular focus has been in electronics, the high-tech components that are such an integral part of today’s cars. I hope to use that knowledge to build a long-term career at a dealership fixing cars today and into the future.”
“This scholarship is not just going towards me, it’s benefiting my whole family, my son as well,” said Ms. Greczkowski.
“That’s more that I can do for him in the future. I’m really hoping that if my son sees me going after what I want to do, that will encourage him in the future, and he will go after the things he loves.”
GNYADA represents over 400 new car dealers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess Putnam and Orange counties. The members of GNYADA support nearly 70,000 jobs and generate nearly $50 billion in economic activity.
The Association works to help and inform consumers about the purchasing and servicing options available to them. It also promotes education and training and creates job opportunities for young people interested in pursuing careers in the automotive business.