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 2025 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 Oct 28 & 29, 2025 in Ottawa, ON
  • Opportunity to attend all conference sessions
  • One-on-One networking opportunities with key aerospace leaders and professionals


FAQ

How do I submit my application?

  • Email the three (3) required components of the application to bgebuza@aiac.ca no later than Sunday, Oct 5th, 2025
  • Include ‘2025 Dave Caddey Memorial Scholarship’ in the subject line

How is my application processed and reviewed?

  • Following the deadline, AIAC will conduct a thorough evaluation of the received applications
  • AIAC member and industry professionals will be invited to evaluate a shortlist of applicants

When will I hear about the status of my application?

  • You will receive a confirmation email upon receipt of your application
  • You will receive an email informing of the decision regarding your application no later than Friday, October 17th


SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CRITERIA

Am I eligible to apply?

To be considered for the scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled full- or part-time at a Canadian college or university
  • Pursing an undergraduate degree or graduate diploma and career in aerospace or space engineering, business/marketing, or aviation/aerospace maintenance

What do I need to include in my application?

  1. Transcript of current post-secondary career (official or unofficial)
    • Otherwise, if applicant is in their first semester of post-secondary study, submit two (2) of the following:
      • Letter from the Office of the Registrar
      • Letter of acceptance
      • Proof of tuition payment or enrollment document
  1. A short (approximately 750 words) typed essay focusing on how Canada’s aerospace & defence industries contribute to domestic and global security. Consider the questions:
    • How does the Canadian aerospace industry play a role in supporting NATO?
    • Through what avenues does Canadian aerospace have obligations to NORAD?
    • What is the relationship between economic security and national security?
  1. 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

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 2025. 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 2025 Dave Caddey Memorial Scholarship is Sunday, October 5th, 2025, at 11:59pm EDT. Late submissions will not be considered for the scholarship.

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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.