Five emerging leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry have been named recipients of the 2025 Next Step Program scholarships, the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) announced.
The program, part of the Auto Care Association, provides scholarship recipients with access to exclusive professional development opportunities during YANG at Auto Care Connect and Spring Leadership Days, taking place May 12–15 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, AZ. Auto Care Connect is the association’s largest annual event, focused on education, collaboration and networking across the aftermarket industry.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
• Alexandria Gaston, Integrated Supply Network (ISN)
• Chris Long, MANN+HUMMELL
• Alyssa McGhee, MAHLE
• Liz Perkins, L1 Automotive Diagnostics and Programming
• Elisse Richardson, DRiV
“The Next Step Program offers young automotive aftermarket industry professionals a unique opportunity to develop lasting involvement in the auto care industry,” according to the press release.
Through participation in Auto Care Connect, these professionals will join sessions tailored to young industry members, gain insight from top leaders, and expand their professional networks, setting the foundation for long-term growth in the field.
More information about YANG and the Next Step Program is available at www.autocare.org.
