History
In 2000, the Airports Division of the GNWT Department of Transportation joined with the Northern Air Transport Association (NATA) to establish and manage a scholarship fund under the name Aviation Career Development Program (ACDP). Scholarships given out under the Program assist students resident in the Northwest Territories who are enrolled in full-time professional or technical aviation-related studies. In 2007, Adlair Aviation and Discovery Air joined ACDP as funding partners. In 2011, the Government of Nunavut (four scholarships) and Keewatin Air (one scholarship) joined. A total of thirteen scholarships of $5,000 are available in 2010-2011.
ACDP provides assistance to students working toward an aviation-related career in the North in the private or public sectors. Any full-time training from a recognized training institution related to an aviation career is eligible for consideration.
NATA's Participation
The Northern Air Transport Association represents the northern aviation industry. It has three purposes:
- To promote a safe and effective northern air transportation system;
- To advocate northern air transport positions;
- To establish and maintain partnerships within the industry, governments, and other interested parties.
NATA sits on the Steering Committee for the Aviation Career Development Program, providing strategic advice with regard to the needs of the northern aviation industry.
Awards
Awards are for one academic year. Scholarship winners are eligible to reapply for awards in subsequent years, but preference will be given to first-time recipients. Those who do not complete their training are ineligible for further awards.
Eligibility
Any NWT or Nunavut resident who is enrolled in full-time aviation-related secondary studies is eligible for consideration if they meet the required qualifications and selection criteria. The scholarships are awarded through a formal awarding process that assesses the student’s likelihood of success, clarity of career goals, and commitment to the training.
To be eligible for the award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- complete the application form;
- be a resident of the Northwest Territories and/or Nunavut for a minimum of the previous two (2) years (proof of residency required, such as health care card, Drivers Licence, General Identification Card);
- indicate an intention to return to work in the north after studies are completed;
- provide an essay expressing why they wish to pursue an aviation career in the North, as well as how the scholarship would further their career plan (essay must be legible and provide sufficient detail to assess the applicant’s commitment to an aviation career);
- provide two (2) references from an employer and/or a leader(s) in the community who have known the applicant for at least two years and who can speak to his/her commitment and the likelihood of career success;
- provide academic transcripts which documents the applicant’s education and training to date; and
- provide proof of acceptance or conditional acceptance in an academic or technical aviation related program (which can be in the form of a letter or e-mail from the school).
Award Selection
An Award Selection Committee has been established by the partners to screen and select the successful recipients. A list of weighted rating criteria has been developed to assist the Award Selection Committee in their task, as follows:
- content of essay, including clarity of career plan and its relevance to a career in aviation in the North;
- academic potential;
- potential for success (commitment); and
- other relevant considerations (the Selection Committee will establish the criteria for which points will be awarded to applicants under this section on an as-required basis.
- Preference will be given to first-time recipients over previous recipients, and to second-time recipients over those who have already received two or more awards. Those who fail to complete training for which a scholarship was previously awarded will be ineligible for consideration for future awards.
Award decisions made by the Selection Board shall be final.
Schedule and Deadlines
April 1 - Application Forms Available
July 30 - Deadline for Submission of Completed Applications EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31!
Please click here for the application form and further information. A list of schools and colleges offering aviation-related career training can be found on our Aviation Training page.
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