Indigenous Student Support Program helps student reach their dreams
“The support was there when I needed it most.”
Andrew M. received support from the Indigenous Student Support Program at a critical time for him. After wrapping up his first year of the Natural Resources Environmental Technology program at NSCC’s Lunenburg Campus, Andrew faced an unforeseen emergency affecting his financial situation. As he was about to move to Truro to begin his required work placement with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq, his dream job focusing on eco-forestry, he was stressed about affording his upcoming bills.
Andrew applied for financial aid through the program's Indigenous Students Immediate Needs Fund, and luckily, he received the funds just in time. “Fortunately, on May 4th, I received the Indigenous emergency funds in my account. On May 5th, my bills come out and are covered entirely by the amount provided to me,” said Andrew. “The relief from my anxiety and stress was immediate.”
Supporting a dream
Now two months into his work placement, Andrew is loving the work he does every day thanks to the emergency support he received through the program. “The Indigenous Student Support Program was crucial in keeping my life on track. Today I'm following my passion, working my dream job focusing on eco-forestry,” said Andrew. “I had to figure out in life where I didn't want to be, to figure out where I belonged, and now I am here, and it's all I could have hoped for and more.”
Helping Mi'kmaq and Indigenous students at NSCC
The Indigenous Student Support Program is a donor-funded program designed to help Mi'kmaw and Indigenous students at NSCC by addressing everyday financial issues that can get in the way of academic success.
“There are support structures that I didn't have that other people take for granted,” said Andrew. “If the purpose of the Indigenous Student Support Program is to help students facing financial emergencies, your investment helps students like me to reach for their dreams. I am - and I will be forever grateful.”
Support Mi'kmaq and Indigenous students like Andrew at NSCC today by donating to help them reach for their dreams.
Donate to the Indigenous Student Support Program
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