The Sobey Award Program

The Sobey Award Program, generously provided by R.G. Sobey and Family, supports approximately 90 students entering NSCC on a full or part time basis each year. This award is valued at $6,000/year (50% for students studying part time) and is renewable for students entering multi-year programs.

The Sobey Award Program is designed to encourage and assist individuals

• who are facing financial challenges and who, without this support would not be able to attend College;
• with support in strengthening skills and abilities to help secure meaningful employment; and
• with help to become a role model in their communities.

Since it launched in 2017, the Sobey Award Program has supported:

Please note: We are now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• be referred by a Nova Scotia community service organization;
• be admitted/planning to enrol in a full or part time program at the College in the future; and
• have unmet financial need.

Please note: Current NSCC students, those enrolling in programs that do not have associated tuition fees, prior Sobey Award recipients, and International students are not eligible to apply for this opportunity.

How to apply

Download, complete and submit the Sobey Award Program Application (PDF 840KB) to the .

Next steps

A committee will review the application and consider the following:

• the financial situation of the applicant; 
• supports the applicant has in place; and
• their readiness to attend College. 

Applications are reviewed regularly and outcomes will be communicated within six weeks. Applications are considered on a first come, first qualified basis until all funding has been committed.

Testimonials from recipients 

Information for community service organizations

We want to ensure that community service organizations are invested in the applicant’s potential to succeed at College. While there is no standard formula to assess this, the following are some themes to consider when completing your reference:

• What type of relationship does the applicant have with your agency?
• What role will your agency play in ensuring a successful transition to College for the applicant?
• Does the applicant demonstrate indicators for success as a College student?
• Will your agency help the applicant make a financial plan to attend College or refer them to a professional who can?

If you would like to book a presentation to help promote this award to your clients, contact us at .

Community incentive 

As a thank you, community service organizations that support Sobey Award applicants are automatically entered for a $1,000 incentive prize, regardless of whether the student is selected for an award. Five prizes will be distributed among regions across the province annually. 

2022-2023 recipients

• Cape Breton region - Menelik Hall Association
• Halifax Regional Municipality region - The North Grove
• Northern region - Heatherton Group Home
• Southern region - Lil' JEMS Early Learning Childcare Centre
• Valley region - Valley Community Learning Association

Testimonials from community service organizations