The Lethbridge Auto Dealers Association (LADA) is continuing its longtime support of Lethbridge Polytechnic by donating $113,600 toward student awards.
A student and instructor work in Lethbridge Polytechnic's automotive shop.
The gift is part of the Board of Governors Matching Endowment initiative, which matches donations of $25,000 to $100,000. The endowment fund has $500,000 available for matching.
LADA's latest donation and matching funds - $213,600 in all - will benefit an existing endowment created by the association in 1997 that provides annual awards for automotive students and apprentices.
"We are very proud of our partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic," says Jordan Dunlop, LADA president. "Our long-standing relationship promotes high quality education and training for skilled tradespeople right here in Lethbridge where there is a big demand for these types of careers in the automotive sector."
Each year, LADA's endowment at Lethbridge Polytechnic disperses four awards of $1,000 each to students entering the Automotive Systems certificate program, two awards of $1,500 each to continuing automotive apprentices employed by a LADA member after completion of their second year, and two awards of $1,500 each to continuing automotive apprentices employed by a LADA member after completion of their first year.
"LADA's ongoing support reflects a shared commitment to developing skilled tradespeople in our community," says Mike Marcotte, chair, Lethbridge Polytechnic Board of Governors. "Through our matching endowment initiative, their latest contribution will have an even greater impact - empowering students with the resources they need to excel in their training and future careers."
LADA also donates $10,000 annually toward the purchase of new equipment for teaching purposes.
"Our partnership with LADA is truly invaluable," says Justin Romeril, chair of the Crooks School of Transportation. "Their generosity not only provides our students with a financial hand-up, but also unparalleled hands-on experience with the newest equipment. This collaboration ensures that our graduates enter the workforce with skills and real-world knowledge, setting them up for long-term success."
LADA represents 16 automotive dealers throughout southern Alberta: Bridge City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; College Ford Lincoln; Davis Dodge Ram; Davis GMC Buick; Dunlop Ford; Gary Moe Lethbridge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Gary Moe Mazda Lethbridge; Lethbridge Kia; Lethbridge Mitsubishi; Lethbridge Toyota; Lethbridge Volkswagen; McDonald Nissan; Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Lethbridge; Scougall Motors; Subaru of Lethbridge; and Westwind Honda. To date, the association's support of Lethbridge Polytechnic students and programs totals more than $1.4 million.
For more information on the Board of Governors Matching Endowment initiative, please contact Lethbridge Polytechnic's Development office: Email development.office@lethpolytech.ca or call 403-320-3457.
