Scholarship Donor - AIT

Donor Since: 2002
Number of Scholarships: 8
Websites: Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta
Scholarship Information: MDA Education Foundation Apprentice Scholarship (7), Jack Thompson Scholarship

History:
The 300 plus member dealers in Alberta represent approximately 90% of the new vehicle franchised dealers in the province. The Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta (MDA) is a not for profit society which traces its legal formation back to 1951. The MDA members employ in excess of 12,000 Albertans and generate revenues of approximately $4 to $5 billion per year. One in seven jobs in Canada are related to the automobile industry.

MDA members have always maintained a high profile in their communities throughout Alberta through active participation and support of numerous business, recreational, educational and charitable events. New vehicle dealers recognize the importance and need for highly trained employees and in this regard created the MDA Education Foundation, a registered charitable organization which is totally funded through MDA member donations and activities.

The purpose of the Foundation is to encourage Albertans to pursue a career in the automotive industry by providing financial assistance in the form of scholarships to these students. Permanent scholarships in the MDA name are in place at both the Northern and Southern Alberta Institutes of Technology. The MDA recognizes and awards scholarships in two specific areas: (1) apprentice trades in automotive and (2) the Automotive Marketing program at the Canadian Automotive Institute at Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario as well as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary.

The Foundation is averaging in excess of $35, 000 per annum in scholarships and has been a leader in developing industry partnerships with organizations such as Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, Careers the Next Generation, etc. The MDA is proud to be recognized as a Champion donor for the Alberta Apprentice Scholarship Program as well as the Registered Apprentice Program.