Al Whitley Memorial Scholarship

The Al Whitley Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of Al Whitley, the founder of Virtual Design & Construction Institute. This scholarship was established to continue Al's vision for VDCI and the improvement of AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) training in San Diego, California.

Scholarship funds can be applied to any of the VDCI Nationally Accredited Programs - Fast-Track Programs and Certificate Programs. These programs range from 3-10 months and feature fast-paced, asynchronous online learning to prepare students for a job in the AEC industry. The programs offered include training in CAD, BIM and Digital Design software, such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Prospective students and active students can apply for the Scholarship. The scholarship is a tuition reduction scholarship totaling up to $2,000.00 for the specified Program. Cash funds are not distributed to the student as a part of this scholarship.

VDCI is now accepting applications!

Below is the 2022 Scholarship Application schedule:

Quarter 1 - Scholarship Application Period: 01/11/2023 - 03/09/2023

Quarter 2 - Scholarship Application Period: 03/31/2023 - 06/01/2023

Quarter 3 - Scholarship Application Period: 06/23/2023 - 08/24/2023

Quarter 4 - Scholarship Application Period: 09/15/2023 - 11/16/2023

Apply for the Scholarship!

Al Whitley was the Founder of Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI), which was created to support students improve their careers in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Al’s greatest passions in life were to help others through mentorship and teaching, and to give back to the San Diego professional community.

Al Whitley began creating curriculum and teaching for UCSD Extension in 1991. Al’s first courses were on early versions of AutoCAD. Soon after, Al began teaching courses at his office as well, and soon Al formed cadteacher and expanded training opportunities to other software, including Revit. By 2006, cadteacher was approved as an Autodesk Training Center and AIA Continuing Education Provider. By 2011, cadteacher was converted into VDCI, and had established a strong online presence.

Throughout his life, Al gave his all to VDCI. Al spent many hours in the office and the classroom and reinvested everything he could into the students in his school. Al would be the first to volunteer for training opportunities locally in San Diego and elsewhere, especially at Autodesk University in Las Vegas.

The Al Whitley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to continue Al’s vision for VDCI and for the improvement of AEC training in San Diego. Scholarship funds will be provided to students to support their training at VDCI. We appreciate your support in this endeavor!

Autodesk Certified Instructor - GOLD ACI - Al Whitley

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