The WTS Canadian Education Foundation is a volunteer-run, registered Canadian charity dedicated to strengthening Canada’s transportation industry through diversity.
We strive to promote diversity within transportation by connecting high-potential post-secondary students in transportation-related fields with the industry through the provision of scholarships and networking opportunities.
What We Do
• Secure funding streams for scholarships
• Provide funding for scholarships in collaboration
with our partners
• Provide Canadian tax receipts to qualifying
individual donors
• Work with partner organizations to identify and
develop opportunities to further student
engagement with the industry
Our Commitment
• Develop Canada’s transportation industry by
investing in tomorrow’s leaders
• Help students interested in transportation
connect with the industry
• Raise awareness of Canada’s transportation
industry and it’s need for diversity, equity, and
inclusion
• Champion the transportation industry and its
impact on the economy, environment, and well-
being of communities
• Be responsible stewards of funds entrusted to
us, and uphold our charitable status
Our Mission
• Raise awareness of the WTS Canadian Education
Foundation
• Secure funding streams and partners
• Raise funds for scholarships
• Connect students with Canada’s transportation
industry
• Strengthen Canada’s transportation industry as
a champion for diversity
We Value
• The power and potential of a diverse,
equitable, and inclusive industry
• The trust that is placed in us to responsibly
manage and distribute donations to worthy
scholars
• The support of our donors and partners
• Our communities
Meet our Board of Directors
Our History
2003
The first international chapter of WTS, called the WTS Straight of Georgia Chapter, was established on Canada’s west coast.
2007
Once it was determined the WTS International Scholarship program did not support study at Canadian institutions, the Canadian chapter established a Canadian scholarship awards program. The “WTS Strait of Georgia Education Foundation” was incorporated on November 5, 2007.
2008
The new Education Foundation was approved as a registered Canadian charity.
2011
First $500 scholarship awarded through Tupper Secondary School in Vancouver, BC.
2014
A $30,000 endowment fund was established with Simon Fraser University (SFU) which grants an annual award, the “Joy de Cosson Graduate Research Fellowship in Sustainable Transportation” to a masters-level student in the Urban Studies program. The endowment funds one or more scholarships each year, valued at a minimum of $1,200 each. The endowment awards continue in perpetuity.
2015
Four new directors from Ontario were added to the Education Foundation Board and the decision was made to transition to a national entity so that Foundation support is available to deserving students nationwide.
2016
On July 6, 2016, the name was officially changed to the “WTS Canadian Education Foundation”
2020
Fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the WTS Toronto Area Chapter supported the award of two post-secondary scholarships of $2,500 each.
2021
Fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the WTS Toronto Area Chapter supported the award of three post-secondary scholarships of $2,500 each.
Now
The WTS Canadian Education Foundation continues to secure funding streams for post-secondary scholarships in transportation-related fields through collaboration with industry members, the Toronto Area Chapter and the soon-to-be-ratified Southwest Ontario Chapter.