ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Equipment Dealers Foundation (EDF), the charitable organization of the Equipment Dealers Assn. (EDA) has selected 20 men and women to receive a scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year. EDF’s objective is to support the education, training and advancement of current and potential employees in the equipment industry.

Scholarships funds were awarded to qualified students/trainees who were sponsored and recommended by equipment dealerships throughout the U.S. and Canada. Scholarships are available in each of EDA’s nine regions. Including matching funds from sponsoring dealerships, the scholarships total $36,000.

“The EDF Scholarship helps create long-term employees for dealerships by assisting with their education, training and advancement. Students can use their funds for a variety of programs from individual classes to post-graduate degrees,” said EDF Board Chairman Tom Nobbe. Nobbe, who owns his own dealership, understands the value of having employees with varied experience and education. “Job opportunities within a dealership are diverse and needs are changing constantly. We have to support and encourage education that will meet the needs of the industry now and into the future.”

Scholarships were awarded for degrees and training ranging from 2-year technician programs to 4-year degrees in agribusiness management, economics and Spanish. Despite the wide variety of degrees sought, the goals of these students are essentially the same; to expand their knowledge in a field they are passionate about which will, in turn, help their employer to succeed.

EDF’s increased commitment to education and training requires a significant need for additional funds to match the growth in applications submitted by current and future employees of dealer members. For more information about the EDF scholarship program or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit http://www.equipmentdealer.org/ourFoundation