Volkswagen Group of America awards scholarships to NOVA-Manassas automotive students

Three automotive students at the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College each received a $1,000 scholarship from Volkswagen Group of America.

The recipients are Corey Harrison of Boyce, Monika Lategano of Leesburg and Eliza G. Taylor of Chantilly.

The scholarships were awarded based on essays the students wrote about how the scholarship would benefit them as well as a recommendation from the automotive faculty.

“I recommended the students because all three have gone above and beyond by helping in class or lab and taking time out of their schedules to participate in recruiting events for NOVA,” said John Hicks, program head for automotive and diesel. “I’m very proud of these students and happy to play a part in their educations.”

Harrison earned an associate degree in automotive technology in fall 2016 and is currently pursuing another degree in automotive emissions and a certificate in diesel technology. He is taking three classes this semester while working full time in the service department at Malloy Ford in Winchester. He is Ford certified in three areas and plans to earn his Virginia state inspectors license and take the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification tests.

“Since my parents have been paying for my education, this scholarship means a lot to me because I was able to contribute by using it toward a semester of classes,” Harrison said.

Lategano has volunteered to represent NOVA at events, most notably a career fair hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation. She will graduate in May 2017 with an associate degree in automotive technology and plans to attend James Madison University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me,” she said. “My parents are very proud to see my hard work pay off. They have been my supporters since day one and proving to them that I am getting rewards is a great feeling.”

Taylor is studying full time toward degrees in automotive technology and automotive emissions. After graduation, she hopes to start a career with Micron Technology Inc.

“This scholarship provides financial assistance to help realize my dreams. I’d like to thank my instructors at NOVA for their time, patience, support and encouragement in helping me become a productive member of society,” Taylor said.

According to Hicks, Taylor was recommended because she is always helping other students in and out of class. She also volunteers her time to the Automotive Program by helping to keep the NATEF (National Automotive Technician’s Educational Foundation) records current.

The NOVA-Manassas automotive and diesel programs offer training in automotive technology, emissions, maintenance and light repair, and diesel mechanics technology. To learn more, contact Hicks at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Northern Virginia Community College is the largest institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America’s largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 75,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge, and through the Extended Learning Institute. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit the College’s website, http://www.nvcc.edu.