East Coast Credit Union 2023-24 Impact Report

Thank you, East Coast Credit Union, for your leadership and support. Your dedication to investing in and growing the communities in which we all live and work will benefit generations to come. Your commitment to removing the barriers that equity-deserving students too often face when pursuing a post-secondary education will impact so many as they strive toward their education and career goals at NSCC. Your partnership is invaluable to NSCC and we are so grateful for the opportunity to work together toward equity in education and strengthening communities across the province.

Thank you for entrusting us with your donation, and for making a positive impact in the lives of not only our students, but their families and communities.

In this report, we're excited to share updates on:

• Archy Beals Legacy Award
• East Coast Credit Union Spark Creativity Bursary
• Indigenous Student Support Program

Archy Beals Legacy Award:

The Archy Beals Legacy Award reduces barriers to education and increases opportunities for Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC. Through this award - funded by generous community support - we acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of Archy Beals and his dedication to education, community and advocating for equity in education. Thank you for your commitment to this award, and for your leadership in prioritizing equity in education. Your donation to the Archy Beals Legacy Award will fund six awards for the 2024 spring award term, and will fund additional awards for the 2024 fall award term. We look forward to providing an update on these award recipients in your 2025 impact report.

In the meantime, we are happy to share an update on the 2023-24 spring award recipients here.

East Coast Credit Union Spark Creativity Bursary:

Thanks to your investment in community, 2024 marks the first offering of the new East Coast Credit Union Spark Creativity Bursary. This entrance bursary was established to support equity-deserving students as they pursue a post-secondary education in a Creative Industries program, helping to reduce barriers as they begin their journey at NSCC. So often, students share that receiving an award from someone in their community is the vote of confidence they need to motivate and inspire them to reach their education and career dreams. Thank you for showing NSCC students their goals matter, and for being part of their exciting journey!

2024 East Coast Credit Union Spark Creativity Bursary recipient:

Jahquoia, Music Arts, Ivany Campus

"I chose to attend NSCC because it had an option for a program that was realistic financially to help me chase my dreams of becoming a successful music artist. I had so many doubts about being able to afford schooling - to be able to do what I want - and NSCC gave me a chance and opportunity to do so. This award will completely set my financial struggles straight I won't have to worry about my studies and I'll be able to comfortably do my schooling. I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the donor of this award. This generous donation will ease my financial struggles and allow me to pursue my dreams in the NSCC music arts program. I will now be able to comfortably focus more on my studies and personal growth."

Indigenous Student Support Program:

The Indigenous Student Support Program at NSCC works to support students across all 14 campuses to overcome financial stressors that can impact their education and ability to stay focused on school and graduation. Your support of this innovative program ensures these wrap around supports are available when they're needed most, empowering and encouraging Indigenous students to become the leaders, builders, innovators and creators of tomorrow.

Your donation helped to support the following for the 2023-24 school year:

• Indigenous Student Immediate Need Fund: Over $18,000 disbursed to 44 Indigenous students at NSCC to help address financial needs and barriers to success, keeping them on track for success.
• Indigenous Student Cost of Living Bursaries: Over $6,200 disbursed in cost of living bursaries supporting 14 Indigenous students to address areas like food insecurity, transportation, childcare and housing at a crucial time in their education.

"The Indigenous financial supports are important to have for our students. Most of our students are travelling daily and are not based in the local area where public transportation is readily available. Some students may have dependents or issues that have come up such as family emergencies, and in these cases without supports it may result in the student having to withdraw. Most of our Indigenous students will not ask for financial assistance - in some cases it is the instructors that notice a change in behavior and will connect the students with us. By having these supports in place it makes a positive impact on the students' lives, and has allowed them to continue successfully in our programs."

- Janice Basque, Indigenous Student Advisor, NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus

We continue to expand this new program thanks to the generous support of donors like you, and look forward to furthering the impact of the program throughout the upcoming academic year.