Marcus Matias Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 2, 2025
Winners Announced
Jul 2, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Field of Study:
Automotive industry
Education Level:
High school senior

Marcus Matias was a beloved son, brother, and boyfriend. He was a self taught mechanic who passed away too soon.

Marcus loved to travel and spend time with his family and friends. So much so, that he bought a fixer-up RV. He worked on it relentlessly until it was ready for the road. Above all of that Marcus was a hobbyist and out of the many hobbies he had he loved tinkering with his automobiles.

He had several vehicles he would play with. He had electric bikes and a couple motorcycles that he would upgrade until they met his standards.

He loved all of his toys, but he considered one his baby: The Suzuki Samurai. He could spend hours in the garage tweaking small things and replacing big ones. Any issues he’d come across he’d immediately see if YouTube had the answer. Marcus never went to school for the automotive industry but he lived his life in it. If Youtube wasn’t the solution he’d take a ride up to see his best friends at Tristate Motors in Rahway, NJ where he’d also spend hours just listening to the men talk. He surrounded himself with people who had similar interests and he felt comfortable with. He was always the type to lend a helping hand when needed and give away when necessary.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life and memory of Marcus Matias by supporting students who share his passion.

Any high school senior who is pursuing the automotive industry may apply for this scholarship opportunity. 

To apply, submit a short essay or video telling us why you’re passionate about pursuing the automotive industry.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published December 23, 2024
Essay Topic

Why are you passionate about the automotive industry?

0–600 words

Winning Application

willow tucker
Dwight High SchoolDwight, IL
My name is Willow Tucker, and I have been passionate about cars for as long as I can remember. I inherited my love for cars from my father, who unfortunately he passed due to cancer. Following his passing, I lost interest in them for some time. It wasn't until a trip to Las Vegas, where I saw a Lamborghini Huracan, that my enthusiasm for cars was reignited. That moment reminded me of how much I truly love the automotive world, inspiring me to pursue a career centered around it. Since then, I have actively immersed myself in the industry as much as I can; attending car meets, working at a racetrack, and modifying my own vehicle. Any opportunity I get, I surround myself with cars. Currently, I am a high school senior preparing to graduate in just a few months. I have set some ambitious goals for my future and am fully committed to achieving them through dedication and hard work. In August of 2025, I will be attending the Lincoln College of Technology, where I plan to further my education and build a strong foundation for my career in the automotive industry. To manage my living expenses efficiently, I will be sharing a place with my three close friends, which will allow us to split everything evenly and live more comfortably. While pursuing my studies I intend to gain experience by working as a car salesperson, a role that will provide valuable industry insights and allow me to develop good skills in customer service and automotive sales. Beyond my academic and professional commitments, my best friend and I are launching a Youtube channel dedicated to cars, where we will share our passion for vehicles through engaging content. As our channel grows and generates revenue, our long-term vision is to establish a business in car customization sales, including wrapping, tinting, detailing, and pinstriping. Maybe even get to the point where we can do body kits, exhaust work, etc. The journey represents not only entrepreneurial spirit but also our dedication to turning your passion into a thriving career. In addition to my professional goals, I aspire to build an extensive car collection, similar to The Hamilton Collection, featuring a diverse range of high-performance and exotic vehicles. Owning such a collection would not only fulfill a personal dream of mine but also allow me to showcase and share my passion with others. Lastly, I plan to establish my own exclusive car club, much like Clutch Supply LA, to bring together like-minded enthusiasts to create a strong community. Through this club, I hope to organize events, rallies, and networking opportunities that celebrate car culture and foster meaningful connections within the industry. Achieving my goals will require discipline, strategic planning, and hard work. Financial management is key, so I plan to budget wisely, save diligently, and invest in opportunities that will support my long-term success. While studying at school, I will maximize learning opportunities to develop technical and business skills. I see working as a car salesperson being beneficial towards me, learning more about finances and experience, both essential for my future. Most importantly, I understand that success requires persistence and a strong mindset. By staying focused on my goals, working hard, and continuously learning, I am confident I will turn my passion into a big name in the automotive industry.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 2, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jul 2, 2025.