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A student and instructor work on a vehicle at the Lethbridge Polytechnic automotive shop. A new donation will support students in the program. (Photo: Lethbridge Polytechnic)

Lethbridge Auto Dealers donates $113,600 to Polytechnic

Apr 3, 2025 | 9:40 AM

Students looking to work in the auto industry can continue to access help in funding their education.

The Lethbridge Auto Dealers Association (LADA) has donated $113,600 towards student awards at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

The Board of Governors Matching Endowment initiative provided a matching grant of $100,000, meaning a total of $213,600 will go towards bursaries.

“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.”

Every year, the LADA’s endowment gives out four awards of $1,000 each to students entering the Automotive Services certificate program, two awards of $1,500 each to continuing automotive apprentices employed by a LADA member after they finish their second year, and two awards of $1,500 each to continuing automotive apprentices employed by a LADA member after they finish their first year.

The Association also gives $10,000 annually for 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.

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