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:

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!

We look forward to providing an update on the recipient of this award once the recipient has begun their program in the Fall.

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.

Indigenous Student Cost of Living Bursary recipients share words of appreciation:

"I can’t thank you enough for this help and assistance. It alleviates a lot of stress related to food, travel, and getting lunches while I am in school. I feel as though I can breathe now. Thanks you so much. Or 'Tiniki', in Cree."

- Jamie (2023-24 Indigenous Student Cost of Living Bursary Recipient), Medical Office Administration '24, Truro Campus

"With this bursary I’m able to catch up on bills to feel comfortable and less stressed at school. I am able to focus on my work and feel honored to be chosen for this bursary. I have gratitude for the little things and this opens my eyes to all the great people in this world. I am just overall so grateful! It makes me want to continue to go down the right path! My heart is smiling."

- Carolann (2023-24 Indigenous Student Cost of Living Bursary Recipient), Office Administration, Marconi Campus

"Receiving this bursary will give me comfort to know I can get home to see my son and still be able to successfully complete my school work. Thank you all so much for the opportunity to improve my school life by improving my home life!"

- Marilyn (2023-24 Indigenous Student Cost of Living Bursary Recipient), Auto Body and Collision Repair '24, Akerley Campus

"Right now I am having a very hard time financially. This bursary will help me with transportation going back and forth to my work placement for the next few weeks and for my lunches. It will help with gas and other things I will need for my vehicle since I do not have any income. Thank you for your support you made a big impact and made school so much more comfortable for me."

- Wasowek (2023-24 Indigenous Student Cost of Living Bursary Recipient), Continuing Care '24, Marconi Campus

Your thoughtful and generous contribution ensures that students have access to these important supports. Thank you for being part of the success of NSCC students, and for helping them to overcome obstacles to achieve their academic and career goals, not only for themselves, but for their families and communities.

NSCC Foundation | 5685 Leeds Street, PO Box 1153 | Halifax, NS | B3J 2X1

Phone: 902-491-2181 | Toll-Free: 1-866-745-7919 | foundation@nscc.ca

Charitable Registration Number: 887210318RR0001