The NAIT  Fund helps students succeed

Your support ensures no student is left behind

NAIT remains committed to creating a welcoming and supportive community, yet students may encounter barriers to their learning. 

Some students struggle financially as they balance attending classes, while supporting their families or working part time. And others need extra assistance, like writing support, outside the classroom or help to foster a sense of belonging. 

You can be the reason why a student succeeds.  With a gift to the NAIT Fund, you can ensure no student is left behind. 

Make your impact on student success! 

When students feel supported, they are more likely to stay motivated, persist through difficulties, and succeed in their post-secondary journey.  Your support today will provide nimble funding for student awards, emerging needs and much more.  

About the NAIT Fund  

NAIT is thankful for the support of alumni and friends who generously donate to help us respond quickly and ensure students get a helping hand when they need it most. 

The NAIT Fund supports high priority areas to help students achieve their potential. From providing student awards and additional supports like helping pilot a writing centre and supplying healthcare students with anatomy models, donations are central to students’ learning.  

How to donate 

A gift of any size is appreciated by NAIT students. When you give, no administration fees are deducted. That means 100% of your donation will go to the NAIT Fund to support students. Here are a few ways to make your secure, convenient donation today! 

Online 

Make a monthly gift  Make a one-time gift     

Phone 

(780) 471-8800  Toll Free: 1-800-289-7609 

Mail 

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) 
Department of Advancement and Alumni Relations 
11762 106 St NW 
Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2R1 

NAIT Fund graphic shows half of donations go to student awards and half goes to emerging needs

Persisting through challenges: Odessa's story

In June 2024, Odessa Derla was among the 4,085 students who graduated at NAIT's convocation. Now, prepared with a Hositality Management diploma, she's ready to make her mark in industry and hopes to one day start her own business. 

Reflecting back, however, she admits her journey hasn't been easy. Coming to NAIT, she and her then-15-year-old son moved from Dubai, where she had worked for 12 years as a commercial cook. 

“Going back to school was a 360-degree shift after being in the workforce so long," she says. "Fitting in classes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., homework and assignments, part-time work, and being a single mom was not a walk in the park.” 

Odessa perservered thanks, in part, to the 4 student awards she received during her time at NAIT – 2 of which were made possible by donations to the NAIT Fund.

“Receiving student awards motivated me to stay consistent, work towards my goals and make the most of the opportunity to be a student again. During my time at NAIT, I grew academically and personally, and my fellow students became my support system.” 

Student awards not only opened doors for her to make lifelong connections with her classmates and get the most out her post-secondary experience, it opened her eyes to how important that support is to ensuring students like her succeed. 

“This student award experience has been imprinted on me. I know, in the future, I will be a donor and support students as they strive achieve their own dreams.” 

Make a gift to help more students like Odessa

A photo of student award recipient Odessa Derla