Megan Lawrence and 149 fellow North Island College students in the Comox Valley received nearly $184,000 in NIC scholarships and bursaries this year, thanks to the generous support of the Comox Valley community.
“On behalf of tonight’s recipients and the North Island College Foundation, I want to express our deepest thanks for your support,” said Lawrence, who represented the students at a special NIC Foundation Awards reception in the Comox Valley this month. “Donors, thank you for reminding our community and our institutions of the importance and necessity of accessible post-secondary education. The peace of mind and encouragement your contributions bring to our students mean so much more than ‘thank you’ can say.”
Lawrence, currently in the second year of the social services diploma program, spoke of the challenges in having to work during the course of her education and expressed gratitude to donors for allowing her and other students more time to make schoolwork a priority.
The $3,500 she received in bursaries and scholarships this year is a testament to her hard work both in an out of the classroom. As an active member of the community and straight A student, Megan received a $500 bursary from both the Native Sons and Canadian Daughters and the Soroptimist International Club of Courtenay, as well as a $2,500 scholarship from the new Catherine Mary and Elizabeth Cherry Aitken Scholarship Fund.
The NIC Foundation partners with individuals and community organizations to provide scholarships and bursaries to students. 2017 was a record year for Comox Valley students, who received $31,000 more in awards than in 2015.
“The generosity of Comox Valley individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations inspires hundreds of NIC students in countless ways,” said NIC Foundation acting chair Lisa Moyes. “We wish to share our sincere expressions of gratitude for the tremendous impact that every donor makes in the lives of NIC students.”
This year, the non-profit organization distributed $290,000 to NIC students across the region, through 375 separate awards.
“We value the opportunity to celebrate our students for their hard work and commitment to their studies, and we are pleased to recognize the generous people in our community who support student awards, bursaries and scholarships through the NIC Foundation,” said Randall Heidt, North Island College vice-president, strategic initiatives. “We are honoured that, as students, donors and community members, you have chosen North Island College.”
The NIC Foundation has been advancing student success, education and community growth for more than 25 years. The non-profit organization supports NIC students through scholarships and bursaries, equips classrooms with current technology and ensures the best possible learning facilities are accessible on the Central and North Island. It envisions a future where every student has the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education, train for a new career or develop employable skills to support themselves and their families.
To support the NIC Foundation and make a difference in the lives of post-secondary students, visit https://foundation.nic.bc.ca/, call 250-334-5085 or email foundation@nic.bc.ca. Applications for 2018 awards are available starting March 1, 2018. For a complete list of awards, visit https://foundation.nic.bc.ca/students