UAF Fundraising Gala Supports Aftermarket Student Scholarships

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation’s 40th-anniversary fundraising initiative expands industry scholarship funding to address ongoing technician and specialist shortages.

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) will host a benefit reception on October 31 in Las Vegas to mark its 40th anniversary and expand its educational scholarship programs. Supported by major industry sponsors including the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and Epicor, the campaign gathers aftermarket leaders to fund workforce development initiatives across North America.

For auto parts distributors, jobbers, and automotive repair shop owners, labor shortages and technical skills gaps directly impact daily shop throughput and retail service margins. According to organization leadership, UAF has awarded over 8,000 individual scholarships and grants totaling more than $10 million USD since 1986, including 525 student scholarships distributed in 2026 alone.

Contributions raised through the anniversary campaign directly support post-secondary tuition for students pursuing careers in automotive technology, supply chain management, and aftermarket business operations. Investing in technical education helps commercial enterprises secure qualified personnel to manage increasingly complex vehicle architectures and diagnostic requirements.