Fueling futures: CAPP's 25-year commitment to student success continues

Published on November 20, 2024

This year marks 25 years of NAIT student award support thanks to The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). Beginning with an initial gift in 1999, hundreds of students in the Geological Technology, Petroleum Engineering Technology, and Chemical Engineering Technology programs have benefitted from their longstanding generosity.

Standing at $120,000, this latest gift from CAPP will continue to power student awards through to the 2027-2028 academic year and expands their support to also include students in the Power Engineering Technology and Instrumentation Engineering Technology programs.

“At CAPP, we believe that the future of Canada's oil and gas industry, and the economic health of the country is predicated on a solid workforce that's well educated and can contribute to thriving communities,” says Elmien Wingert, CAPP CFO.

She continues, “NAIT has a strong history of providing innovative approaches and very practical experience for its students. It's very important for us to continue to partner with NAIT in supporting and training these students by giving student awards year after year.”

Recent student award recipient, Andres Encizo Rodriguez, expresses his thanks to CAPP and recounts how receiving a CAPP bursary made a significant difference in his educational journey.

“This past year has been a particularly challenging year as I moved from home and started school in the demanding Chemical Engineering Technology program. During my second term, I was going through a bad streak; the expenses were high, and income was low, and I was expecting to pay my tuition for the next term soon. It was during that difficult moment that I began to question whether my efforts were worth it. For me, receiving the bursary was a relief that came at a breaking point. I could breathe again.”

Elizabeth Bell graduated from the Petroleum Engineering Technology program in April 2024 and also received a CAPP funded award. “Being chosen for this award, made me extremely proud,” she says. “It helped substantially with the rising costs of living and difficulties maintaining work-life-school balance. I appreciated being recognized for the hard work put into my studies. Since graduation, I’ve been working as an engineering technician at Import Tool in Calgary. My experience has opened my eyes to so many more opportunities within the industry and I am interested in developing more on-site skills and potentially getting my engineering degree!”

Negar Izadi-Najafabadi, chair, NAIT Petroleum, Geoscience and Chemical Engineering Technology, recognizes the impact donor funded student awards. “These awards go beyond financial support—they give our students the confidence and motivation to work hard as they pursue their dreams. They empower our students and allow them to focus on learning and growing into skilled professionals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the energy sector. Thank you, CAPP, for your continued support and foresight to invest in their futures.”

About the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) is a non-partisan, research-based industry association that advocates on behalf of member companies, large and small, that explore for, develop, and produce oil and natural gas throughout Canada. Associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream industry. CAPP strives to meet the need for safe, reliable, affordable, and responsibly produced energy, for Canada and the world. They amplify industry efforts to reduce GHG emissions from oil and gas production and support Indigenous participation and prosperity.