A generous donation from the Durham Region Heavy Contractors Association will provide an annual award of $1,600 to a full-time Durham College student enrolled in a program related to the construction industry.
Students enrolled in programs related directly to the civil construction industry at Durham College will now have access to an additional financial resource thanks to the generous support of the Durham Region Heavy Contractors Association (DRHCA).
"We are delighted to be able to establish this endowment fund to assist students in their pursuit of an education in a civil construction-related field," said Greg White, former president of the DRHCA. "There is a growing demand for skilled professionals and tradespeople in our industry here in Durham Region and across the country. It is our hope that these annual awards will provide the help needed to encourage deserving students to pursue higher education in these fields."
The organization has donated $41,000 to create the Durham Region Heavy Contractors Association Fund which will provide an annual award of $1,600 to a full-time college student enrolled in a program related to the construction industry, who is a resident of Ontario and has a demonstrated financial need. The donation qualifies for the provincial government's Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) matching program, creating a total endowment of $82,000.
The DRHCA is made up of 23 member companies that work with Durham Region and local municipalities to improve and standardize construction practices. The group's focus includes employee health and safety and promoting the construction industry as an attractive career choice for youth.
"Through this generous endowment, students who face financial difficulties will now have an additional opportunity to access Durham College's market-driven programs and exceptional professors," said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. "I am thrilled that the DRHCA is contributing this financial assistance, which will enable current and future students enrolled in such Durham College programs as Electrical Technician - Instrumentation and Control and Mechanical Technician - Mechanical Maintenance and Control to gain the hands-on experience needed to succeed in their careers and make a difference to the construction industry here in Durham Region and across the province of Ontario."