OSU Institute of Technology student Matt Lambert is a recipient of the 2020 Specialty Equipment Market Association Memorial Scholarship.

Lambert, a student in the Pro-Tech automotive program, said this $3,500 scholarship would help with his tuition as he continues his education.

"I am working to pay off my tuition as I go, so every scholarship helps tremendously," said Lambert.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers. This year, the fund awarded $307,000 to 106 individuals, including scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

"We're excited to award this passionate group of individuals with our support as they embark on finding new ways to advance the future of the specialty-equipment aftermarket," stated SEMA board of director chairman Tim Martin in a recent release. "This year's winners represent the diversity and young talent that our industry thrives on, and we look forward to how their contributions will drive us forward for years to come."

Lambert aspires to open a repair and aftermarket accessory shop in his hometown of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, after graduation and knew OSUIT would help him achieve that goal.

"I choose OSUIT because of the educational program sequence and the top-notch equipment the Pro-Tech program has available to learn with," said Lambert. "I liked that Subaru sponsors the program, so upon graduation, I will be a Subaru-certified mechanic."

He said that aside from the program's technology, the class size is ideal for his style of learning.

"The teacher-student ratio is small, which allows the teacher to give a more direct and tailored approach to my specific learning style," said Lambert. "I am a hands-on learner, so it has been helpful for me to be able to do a majority of the learning in the shop."

He said that he hopes that anyone considering the automotive industry isn't afraid to try and check out OSUIT. "Set goals for yourself and push hard until you meet them."