MHC student in sustainable innovation program earns $5K scholarship

By Samantha Johnson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 6, 2023.

Medicine Hat College student Kali McGougan recently received a letter informing her she would be receiving a $5,000 Mint Smartwash scholarship. McGougan is enrolled in MHC’s inaugural class of the sustainable innovation program, which will be seeing its first graduates in 2024. For McGougan, the scholarship has relieved the financial stress of funding her education.

Students in sustainable innovation at MHC create new products and processes with an aim of developing long-term solutions toward the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. McGougan is passionate about environmental issues and wants to start her own sustainable business one day.

Mint Smartwash provides eco-friendly vehicle washing, which aligns perfectly with the focus of the sustainable innovation program. An in-class presentation by an employee taught students in the program about Smartwash’s sustainability processes.

“I had no idea they were anything like that – that they were conserving so much water,” said McGougan. “When you think of a car wash, you don’t really think about their processes behind the scenes and usually all I would think of is, ‘Where is all that wastewater going?’ It’s very cool to know that they use eco-friendly soaps and products and reuse majority of their water.”

Sustainability is a growing interest in Alberta and this is where McGougan wants to make a difference.

“What we’ve learned in the program thus far has been very much applicable to the real world. I have gained a thorough understanding of the foundation of the industry and the environmental issues society is currently facing, as well as the skills needed to succeed as a business owner. I’m glad I chose to pursue my interests and enrol in a program aligned with my passions,” stated McGougan.

For more information on the sustainable innovation program, or to partner with MHC, visit mhc.ab.ca.