The Dave Caddey Memorial Scholarship
The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) is proud to present the Dave Caddey Memorial Scholarship, supporting students in their choice of a career in aerospace, space and defence sectors.
AIAC is committed to ensuring the long-term success of aerospace in Canada. In establishing this scholarship, AIAC will help Canadian aerospace companies of all sizes to have the resources they need to grow and enhance their competitiveness.
The 2023 Scholarship winner will receive:
- Financial assistance towards their post-secondary education
- Travel and hotel expenses paid to attend the Canadian Aerospace Summit – Canada’s premiere aerospace & defence conference taking place Nov 7 & 8, 2023 in Ottawa, ON
- Opportunity to attend all sessions and network with aerospace professionals and government officials at Summit 2023
- One-on-one meet and greet with a speaker from the Summit
FAQ
How are the applications processed?
• Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Canadian aerospace industry professionals representing
AIAC’s membership
• Every effort will be made to engage a cross-section of experts who possess a range of experience in
the review process
When will applicants know if their submission has been successful?
• The application review process takes approximately three (3) weeks, depending on the volume of
applications
• Applicants will receive confirmation of the scholarship decision during the week of October 23rd
What does the selection process involve?
• Applicant’s submissions will be evaluated on the criteria outlined in the “What do applicants
need in order to apply” section
• Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in aerospace, space, or defence, as well
as explain how they see themselves impacting the industry in the future
Scholarship Application Process
Who is eligible to apply?
To be considered for the scholarship applications must meet the following criteria:
• Enrolled full- or part-time at a Canadian college or university
• Pursuing an undergraduate degree or graduate diploma and career in aerospace or space engineering, business/marketing, or aviation/aerospace maintenance
What do applicants need in order to apply?
A complete application will include an email submission to bgebuza@aiac.ca containing the following items:
1. Official transcript of previous two (2) semesters of post-secondary classes (or high-school transcript if in first year of study)
2. A short (approximately 750 words) typed essay focusing on the future of the space/aviation/aerospace industry in Canada
• Consider the questions: “What impacts do you see advancing technologies – such as advanced air mobility (eVTOL, eSTOL etc.), artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion, or enhanced space launch and sensing capabilities – having on the Canadian aerospace ecosystem? Which advanced capabilities do you believe Canada has an exceptional opportunity to become a global leader?”
3. A brief (no more than one-page) reference letter from a current or past professor, educator, or mentor supporting the applicant’s character and passion for space, aviation, or aerospace
• The letter should also include the Reference’s contact information and reasoning why the applicant is deserving of receiving the scholarship
4. Proof of enrollment in a Canadian post-secondary institution. One of the following is sufficient:
• Letter of acceptance
• Proof of tuition payment or enrollment document
• Letter from the Office of the Registrar
Please note: This scholarship program is for students who are enrolled in or applying to specific aerospace or space engineering, business/marketing, or aviation/aerospace maintenance programs in September 2023. Failure to comply with this or any of the other scholarship requirements will void your application and it will not be considered. Failure to comply with this or any of the other scholarship requirements will void your application and it will not be considered.
The deadline to apply to the 2023 Dave Caddey Memorial Scholarship is Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at 11:59 pm EDT.
Late submissions will not be considered for the scholarship.
About Dave Caddey
David N. Caddey was a Canadian space industry leader and visionary. For nearly thirty years, he worked at MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), serving as President of MDA’s Space Missions division and as Executive Vice President. During this time, he oversaw several of their major programs and lent his management and leadership skills to some of Canada’s most advanced space programs, includ- ing the construction of the RADARSAT-2 spacecraft and its associated ground infrastructure as well as the construction of the International Space Station Mobile Servicing System.
Mr. Caddey began his career in the military, spending 19 years holding various technical and engineering positions in the Canadian Air Force before joining MDA in 1986.
A dedicated advocate for Canada’s space industry, he served as both Director and President of the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver, and on the Board of Directors of the US Space Foundation. He also had a long history of leadership at AIAC, including roles as Chair, a member of the board of Directors, and Chair of the AIAC Space Committee. He also played a leading role in developing the space industry’s contributions to the 2012 Emerson Review on Aerospace and Space.
Mr. Caddey held a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Royal Military College in 1976 and 1971, respectively. In 2014, Mr. Dave Caddey was awarded the James C. Floyd Award by AIAC for his exceptional contribution to the development of Canada’s space industry. He passed away in September 2015.