In 2012, over 300 students received North Island College Foundation awards totalling over $220,000 to help pay for college. This year, the NIC Foundation has $240,000 available for students planning to attend NIC, thanks to the generous support of its donors, all of whom are united in support of student success.
Since 1991, North Island College Foundation donors have supported the educational dreams of thousands of students, allowing them to build a solid future for themselves and their northern Vancouver Island communities.
From electricians, welders and accountants to nurses, educational assistants and small business owners, NIC students are the foundation of our communities.
For some students, receiving an award can mean slightly lower debt and/or having to work a little less and being able to focus more on school. But sometimes, receiving an award means the difference between being able to attend college or not – it literally can change the direction of a life.
As Corey Hustwick, recipient of the Lyndon Cross Memorial Bursary and graduate of NIC’s Culinary Arts program, states, “The financial support I received provided the encouragement to persevere and succeed.
"Lyndon said to me, 'Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do.' His words and this generosity will stay with me for a lifetime.”
NIC Foundation awards are available to students planning to attend North Island College for the first time in September 2013, as well as to continuing and graduating NIC students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement while bursaries are available to students who demonstrate financial need.
The NIC Foundation Awards booklet, which outlines all awards, is available from Student Services at any NIC campus, from high school counselling offices, and online at www.nic.bc.ca/awards.
“We are very grateful to have a number of new donors this year including the Comox Valley Community Foundation, which has decided to direct its funding for post-secondary students through NIC,” says Bert Heeringa, chair of the NIC Foundation’s board of directors. “There really is no greater investment in our communities than the gift of education. Supporting local students means a stronger future for all of our communities.”
The deadline for applications is April 30. For more information about NIC Awards or for questions or assistance with the application process, contact Beth Turner at 250-334-5000 (ext. 4267) or e-mail foundation@nic.bc.ca.
— North Island College