NPC student receives automotive scholarship
Travis Sluder, a National Park College student, was recently awarded the Chester Garrett automotive scholarship, which he intends to use to complete his Automotive Service Technology program.
“It feels pretty good,” Sluder said. “I’ve never done anything to further my education before. The first time I’m in it, I do something like this. It’s actually kind of neat.”
Sluder can receive up to $500 per semester, based on additional aid received. When he graduates, if he remains in good academic standing and proves intention of future employment, he may receive an additional
stipend up to $500 for tools, according to college officials.
“The minimum grade-point average requirement is a 2.5. The scholarship is based on merit and need. The applicants must write a brief essay including employment plans and any community or family assistance they provide,” the NPC website says.
Garrett is the father of Mary Kay Wurm, the previous director of Career Services for the college.
The automotive service technology program is something Sluder has wanted to do since high school, he said, noting that after high school, he had to get a job and take care of himself.
When the opportunity came again to get into this program, he said he decided not to pass it by.
In 2001, Sluder graduated from U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City.
Sluder said he was looking for a career change, having been a truck driver since 2003 and going into this program will keep him closer to home.
Sluder said being a truck driver can be “stressful” and “fun” especially when someone first starts out.
“(It can be) kind of scary. You kind of get the hang of it. It’s a lot of fun,” he said.
Sluder will be using the scholarship to purchase tools since the industry will be expensive to go into.
“There (are) tools out there that I would like to have that I don’t have just because they cost so much,” Sluder said.