William (Willie) Freeburn was a kind man with a large heart and a big smile. He spent a large part of his working life in the auto glass industry. He had a gift of establishing long-lasting relationships and was a valuable asset to the community, settling down with ownership and operating successfully as Payless Glass in Langley for 23 years before retirement.
“Willie” passed away on May 5, 2017, and to honour his legacy the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) and Payless Glass created this scholarship. It will be awarded to an eligible student who wishes to pursue post-secondary education related to the Auto Glass Industry.
The ARFI awards the William (Willie) Freeburn Memorial Automotive Glass Trade Scholarship, to an eligible student who wishes to pursue post-secondary education leading to a career in the auto glass industry. There are two awards available each year. A winner from one year is eligible to apply for subsequent year’s award. This is intended to align with the 2-year provincial Automotive Glass Technician training program.
Scholarship Description
The scholarship provides $1,000 toward tools or post-secondary education tuition leading to a career in the automotive glass industry and is awarded annually.
Eligibility
To qualify, the recipient must show proof of admission to an automotive training program recognized by the provincial Automotive Glass Technician training program per Industry Training Authority (ITA) standards. Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary school on or before January 31 of the year in which they are applying. We are looking for those who have demonstrated a flair for, and a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the automotive glass trades.
Children or dependents of ARFI board members are not eligible to apply.
Applicants are asked to provide the following:
- A statement by the applicant stating his/her long-term automotive goals. The statement should briefly outline why they believe they should be considered for this scholarship. It may include a summary of past school and work experience.
- A letter from the applicant’s primary automotive instructor or current automotive employer stating why the instructor feels the scholarship applicant is worthy of receiving the scholarship. This may include the applicant’s academic achievements, natural ability, hard work, professionalism, teamwork, attention to detail, initiative, etc.
- A copy of the scholarship applicant’s most recent academic record. Overall academic achievements, as well as achievements specifically related to the automotive sector, should be included.
- A brief outline of the scholarship applicant’s demonstrated leadership and civic abilities. These abilities do not necessarily have to be automotive related, but should be evident in the applicant’s interactions in their school or community environments. Examples of leadership and civic interests include, but are not limited to: acting as class president, working as a volunteer for a charitable or community group, and participating as a member of a service club.
- An outline of financial considerations (as they relate to the student’s pursuit of their automotive studies). The scholarship applicant’s degree of need should be clearly demonstrated. Other scholarships or awards won by the applicant should be noted, as well as the applicant’s ability to continue his/her studies based on financial considerations.
Awarded Scholarships
The ARFI awards two William (Willie) Freeburn Memorial Automotive Glass Trade scholarships annually to qualified students enrolled in an automotive program in the province of British Columbia. The recipient of a William (Willie) Freeburn Memorial Automotive Glass Trade Scholarship may be invited to appear in a video acknowledging the award. Awarded recipients may be requested for a brief interview that may be recorded and published.
Notification
All applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decisions. Awards are applicable to the academic year commencing in September of the year of application and awarding.
Administration
The administration of the scholarship program is carried out by the ARFI, under the direction of the ARFI Board Chair.
Application Requirements Checklist
IMPORTANT!
You MUST have the following ready to submit with your application:
(See “Eligibility” above)
- A statement by the applicant outlining his/her long-term automotive goals. The application form includes a text box for this (250 words minimum).
- A copy of the applicant’s most recent high school transcript, OR, If attending a post-secondary program, a copy of the applicant’s most recent school transcript (with official seal). This document is to be uploaded in PDF, JPG or Word format. The application form includes a file uploader for this.
- A letter of recommendation (from a non-family member; preferably an employer, teacher, or someone other than a family friend).
- A brief outline of the scholarship applicant’s demonstrated leadership and civic abilities. The application form includes a text box for this.
- An outline of financial considerations as they relate to the student’s pursuit of their automotive studies. The application form includes a text box for this.
- A letter of support from the applicant’s primary automotive instructor or current automotive employer. This document is to be uploaded in PDF, JPG or Word format. The application form includes a file uploader for this.