CONTENTS
- Letter to our stakeholders
- 2020-2021 Financial highlights
- Urgent Aid delivers hope
- NSCC Library Laptop Loan Program closes connectivity gap
- Partnership with NSCC Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion
- Tuition waiver for former youth-in-care
- Digital Animation students attend virtual conference
- Leveraging digital platforms for donor updates, celebrations, and recognition
- Alumni giving back
- Supporting APMA. Promoting local talent
- Grad reaching communities, changing lives through storytelling
- Revamped Sobeys Culinary Centre now open at Kingstec Campus
- Nautical Institute hosts first Virtual Marine Skills Competition
- Letter from the Board Chair
- Introducing Lead the Way
- Accountability
Letter to our stakeholders
‘These uncertain times…’ Over the past year, we have heard this phrase repeated time and again. When faced with the stark reality of a world in turmoil, and the immediate need for help from our communities, one thing became certain for us – we had to adapt. We had to rise and meet the challenge, and we were determined to become a beacon of hope.
With thanks to funding from donors and industry partners, students had access to different supports including an expanded Library Laptop Loan Program, internet access, and gift cards for groceries. Over and above this funding, we were overwhelmed by the number of new and existing donors that reached out at the onset of the pandemic, wanting to know how they could best support students.
In the report that follows, you will find highlights from the past year, including:
- Increased Urgent Aid funding;
- New awards, donors and partnerships;
- Lead the Way fundraising appeal, launched in response to the needs and gaps identified; and
- Impact stories from students and alumni
Thanks to your support, we celebrated the Class of 2020 and welcomed them as new alumni with our first-ever virtual convocation.
In the fall, we welcomed over 10,000 students for the 2020-2021 academic year. This cohort of students continues to inspire us with their determination, dedication and hard work.
In all this, you have been there, offering guidance, leading the way. Because of you, NSCC students can continue their education in an ever-changing environment, and we can focus our efforts on being an active part of Nova Scotia’s recovery story.
With our deepest gratitude,
Financial Highlights
Please find detailed, audited financial statements by KMPG LLP on our Financial Statements page here.
Urgent Aid delivers hope
NSCC students are hardworking, determined, and resilient. Like many others, students faced the full force of living through the pandemic. Many lost their source of income, found themselves isolated from their support networks, and in need of financial assistance to cover basic living expenses.
In 2020-2021, the Foundation saw an increase in positive responses from both new and existing donors looking to support NSCC students. Through working together, students received the help they needed as quickly and effectively as possible.
“As a co-operative with a mission to promote and enhance the economic and social wellbeing of the communities we serve, we knew that during this pandemic, it was not the time to ‘turn off the taps’ in terms of the financial support that we provide to our community,” says Rick Doucette, Chief Executive Officer at Coastal Financial Credit Union, one of the community partners that were quick to offer support shortly after COVID hit. He adds, “We hope that those individuals will have some peace of mind knowing that there is assistance in times of financial need so that they will be able to focus on being successful in their studies. We firmly believe that when everyone is successful, it contributes to the overall wellbeing and success of the entire community.”
“I was very close to giving up. I felt defeated and believed that I was just slowly running out of time. Because of this support, I can keep going and that means the world to me. I need this program to turn my life around and this act of kindness will be the story I tell when I graduate as a defining moment that got me through. So, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”
In addition to Urgent Aid, students also had access to further supports at the campus level – NSCC Student Associations contributed over $100,000 to address the increase in food insecurity for students, distributing grocery gift cards to 560 students across the province.
NSCC Library Laptop Loan Program closes connectivity gap
During a normal school year, NSCC students have access to computers and internet on campus to complete their work and stay connected with faculty. However, when COVID-19 hit, the bulk of NSCC programs quickly moved to online format. The NSCC Library Laptop Loan Program was suddenly taxed. Additional laptops and internet sticks for at-home learning were needed, and quickly.
Thanks to donor funding, the program saw a huge increase of an additional 482 laptops and 75+ internet sticks, ensuring even more students could stay connected from home.
While remote learning allowed students to safely continue with their programs, it also brought to light the disparity of access to technology that students are faced with on an ongoing basis. Many students suddenly found themselves needing a dedicated personal laptop while others struggled with poor internet connectivity that made it almost impossible to stay on course in the virtual classroom.
Through the Library Laptop Loan Program, students were able to borrow laptops and receive internet modems at no additional cost. The laptops were available for curb-side pickup at designated locations, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Because of this program, the Class of 2020 successfully completed their year and hundreds of students were able to attend their programs as scheduled for the 2020-2021 year. Programs like this continue to be expanded and improved to serve current and future students.
“When students realized they could borrow the crucial laptop for a whole term, you could feel and see the relief underneath those masks. There was one less obstacle for them to contend with as they navigated ongoing changes to their studies, their work, and their home lives. As the school year ended, many students told us in person how they couldn’t have done it without the laptop loan. There’s no doubt we closed a gap that may have prevented some students from remaining at NSCC. Doing so makes me proud of the Libraries and Learning Commons team, and grateful to the NSCC Foundation donors for making it possible.” - Terri Milton, Campus Librarian, NSCC Kingstec Campus
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“I am a driven, determined, single dad, with a love for working with my hands, learning, gaining knowledge and experience. I know that through NSCC, I can obtain the education and experience that will complement my strengths and motivation to obtain a career in trades. This award will help to reduce the financial strain and pressure for me and my family. I have experienced a lot of struggles in my life, but it is times like this that you realize how the action of one person or group can really make a genuine difference in your life. Thank you!”
Jordan B. Recipient, Harrison McCain Bursary and Marie J. Hayward Memorial Scholarship | Pipe Trades, IT Campus
Partnership with NSCC Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion
At NSCC, inclusion is a core value. Throughout our operations, program delivery, and student supports, the College works to foster an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all. Leading this effort is the NSCC Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion department. The department focuses on advancing equity and inclusion at NSCC, through programming, training, supports and by creating a strong, equity-minded culture throughout the College.
Through a partnership with this department, and with the assistance of our donors, we are actively funding initiatives in striving to ensure that all students have equitable access to supports throughout their time at NSCC. The partnership has already inspired new awards including the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority Bursary and the African Nova Scotian Association Music Awards, with more to follow.
In addition to financial supports, we aim to provide wrap-around supports that can meaningfully impact students’ overall experience at NSCC, such as cultural spaces and an expanded Elder in Residence program.
“These culturally-responsive opportunities are life-changing for students. For many, they’ve never had a chance to be in a room where they are learning together with a group of people from their community,” Jill Provoe, the department’s Executive Director says. “It helps us create spaces where people are comfortable, where they know they belong at NSCC.”
The NSCC Foundation continues to prioritize equity and inclusion as areas of focus. Thanks to donor funding, designated programs have been established and we continue to work towards creating more opportunities so that all communities can prosper.
Tuition waiver for former youth-in-care
In December 2020, NSCC announced the Post-Care Free Tuition Bursary Program, becoming the first college in Atlantic Canada to do so. Through the program, eligible learners can apply to have up to 100% of their NSCC tuition and fees covered.
Since the announcement of the program, more donors, including community members, have contributed to the fund.
Sue, a retired community college teacher, refers to her 15 years of teaching as some of the most interesting and heart-warming years of her career. “I learned a lot about courage, perseverance, and tenacity from those students and enjoyed being in their company every time I stepped inside the classroom. They were funny, strong, bright, determined individuals,” Sue says. After reading about the new Post-Care Bursary Program in the Chronicle Herald, she felt compelled to support NSCC. “I am sure that NSCC serves many of those same students, and I’m thrilled that those who have faced some of the greatest challenges – being in care – will now get the support they need to step inside a classroom and see where that new journey can take them.”
The program is inspired by the work of Jane Kovarikova, PhD Candidate and founder of the Child Welfare Political Action Committee Canada.
The NSCC Post-Care Free Tuition Bursary Program is partially funded by the generosity of donors to the NSCC Foundation. More bursaries are available to students for the coming year – if you are interested in supporting this program, please visit: support.nscc.ca/PostCareBursary.
Digital Animation students attend virtual conference
In November, over 40 NSCC Digital Animation students and faculty from Truro Campus attended the virtual Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) Industry Conference.
During a time when many students were feeling isolated, the five day online event provided a unique opportunity to interact with creators from all over the world who are active in the animation industry.
Participation in such industry-focused events is made possible by donor funding through the NSCC Foundation Extraordinary Learning Opportunities Program.
Suzanne Labrecque, Faculty, Business and Creative Industries, Truro Campus shares “Students were able to get tips and advice from other creators. They are better informed and better prepared for what the animation industry has to offer.”
In addition to the week of inspiration, networking, and learning, students received access to platforms and supports that they can take advantage of throughout their time in the program and beyond.
“TAAFI was an overall great experience for us. During the panel sessions, creators, show-runners, and directors explained their processes and experiences which provided me with insight I might have not received otherwise,” said Cait Clegg, one of the Digital Animation students in attendance.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“I am 29 years old, and I have worked as a CCA for ten years. When I was working in Home Care for the VON I realized I wanted to do more for the clients and decided to enroll in the Practical Nursing (PN) Program. I take pride in helping others and have wanted to make a difference in peoples lives since I was a child.
This award will help me finish my second year in the program. It will allow me to pay my tuition, buy the necessary textbooks, and ensure that I have all the materials needed for clinical placements in the spring. I have been trying to complete this program as debt free as possible, and with the heavy course load of first semester, I was unable to work on the weekends which caused some financial strain. With the help of this bursary, I will be less stressed and able to focus more on my studies rather than the financial aspects of my education.
My goals for the future include working in rural Nova Scotia, close to my family and friends. I plan on taking courses to uphold my skills which will provide me with limitless possibilities.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly grateful to be given the opportunity to receive this bursary. I hope that one day I am able to pay it forward and help a fellow PN student with their success in the PN program.”
Nora H-D. Recipient, Stephanie Kathleen Curnew Memorial Award | Practical Nursing, Class of 2021, Cumberland Campus
Leveraging digital platforms for donor updates, celebrations, and recognition
Donor events are some of our most anticipated initiatives, where we get to meet and interact with donors and NSCC supporters, and celebrate achievements, new awards and student successes together.
In 2020-2021, with safety as the main priority, we had to reimagine and adapt our approach to celebrating key milestones. Like so many, we leveraged virtual tools and worked within the provincial guidelines to share news and impact.
One such celebration was the launch of the Daurene Lewis Memorial Award in February. The award supports African Canadian students in programs within the School of Health and Human Services including Nursing, Continuing Care, Social Services, and Cosmetology.
The 2020-2021 award recipient, Jessica G., created a beautiful and heartfelt video message of appreciation to share with the friends and family of the late Dr. Lewis. A video of the announcement was distributed to our wider community who were unable to attend.
“It’s important to remember the contributions made by Daurene for all Canadians,” said Michael Tynes, a family member of the late Dr. Lewis. “She worked to advance improvements for women, visible minorities, and many other disadvantaged people.”
In addition to changes with events, the NSCC Foundation has moved to a nearly paperless distribution for donor communications. Over 90% of our printed communication including receipts, quarterly updates, annual reports, and award recipient profiles are now delivered through online channels. This resulted in more efficient delivery of updates to our community and is a small step towards environmental sustainability in Nova Scotia. Thank you for embracing these changes and for your adaptability throughout this past year.
Alumni giving back
NSCC Alumni are known for their community-minded spirit and this year was no exception. During the first wave of COVID-19, Joan Godsey (Culinary Management ‘20) recruited her husband and her Culinary Management instructor Chef Peter Dewar to make to-go meals for the 300 commercial drivers of Eassons Transport Group in Kentville, NS when their usual restaurants and stops were closed. By going above and beyond, their efforts kept trucks on the road, delivering essential items to Nova Scotians and beyond.
When a State of Emergency was declared, Carla Bezanon (Business Administration-Management ‘17; Music Arts ‘14) couldn’t help but think about the many seniors in nursing homes who were now unable to receive visitors. She and her friend launched Covers for Comfort, an online musical request initiative engaging local artists to brighten the days of many who were isolated and apart.
In August, NSCC Alumni Relations provided space for five alum from our Black/African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaq/Indigenous communities to share their messages and calls for change through the Alumni Voices project. Our alumni are doing important work in our communities to bring awareness to systemic racism in our province and beyond, and we will continue to support and promote them.
November brought a different kind of convocation for the Class of 2020 – a virtual ceremony. This event allowed the over 4,500 graduates, along with their friends and families, to come together as a community and celebrate.
2020 marked the fifth annual ‘ShopNSCC’. This year, 12 remarkable alumni entrepreneurs were profiled along with daily giveaways in December. This program showcases alumni makers and business owners, encouraging support from our College community. Our grads are front-line healthcare workers, small business owners, early childhood educators, and so much more. They’ve shown resilience, innovation, and determination in their chosen fields and we are proud to showcase their accomplishments.
Our grads are front-line healthcare workers, small business owners, early childhood educators, and so much more. They’ve showed resilience, innovation, and determination in their chosen fields and we are proud to showcase their accomplishments.
Supporting APMA. Promoting local talent
This past year, it has been more important than ever to support local, and nurture wellness and mental health. With this in mind, we have worked with Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association (APMA) to curate a unique collection of local titles published in Atlantic Canada, which share the theme of hope and coming together. The NSCC #ReadAtlantic collection offers over 60 books selected based on a variety of connective themes to NSCC, including alumni authors and illustrators, relevance to NSCC programming, inspiring community, hope, resiliency, and more.
This initiative seeks to make a meaningful impact in the community, and promote enhanced quality of life, while supporting and elevating the works of local authors and artists. In a year where we have been forced to slow down, stay close to home, and find new and creative ways to connect with others, reading and sharing books has proved essential.
To view the collection and support local creators, visit: atlanticbooks.ca/collections/nscc-read-atlantic.
Grad reaching communities, changing lives through storytelling
Author, poet, and community advocate Andre Fenton (Screen Arts ‘15, Social Services ‘18) embodies the NSCC spirit through his work in the community. His skills and compassion drew him to connect with youth in after-school programs, helping them find their voices and develop their storytelling craft.
His love for community and the arts has always been a driving force.
When he is not out in the community, or on the stage, Andre is writing. “The most important thing for me as a writer is to tell authentic, genuine stories that bring positive representation to African Nova Scotian communities, and part of that is breaking stereotypes that we see in other forms of media,” says the accomplished author of two novels, including Annaka (2020).
To see some of Andre’s recent work, please visit the NSCC #ReadAtlantic page.
Revamped Sobeys Culinary Centre now open at Kingstec Campus
To take a virtual tour of the all-new Kingstec Campus Sobeys Culinary Centre, click here.
NSCC Kingstec Campus hosts both the Culinary Skills Certificate and Culinary Management Diploma programs at the Sobeys Culinary Centre. This year, students had a new state-of-the-art facility to look forward to.
Upgrades were made possible thanks to an incredible $2M investment by The Sobey Foundation in 2017 to support upgrades at multiple campuses. The result is a 2,500 square foot world-class teaching and learning space that is eco-friendly, filled with natural light, and designed to accommodate multiple uses including community events.
The facility has far exceeded the expectations of faculty, staff, and students. “We have created a world-class culinary facility here. To say I’m overjoyed, is an understatement,” says Peter Dewar, Faculty at the Campus.
For students, the opening of the new space could not have come at a better time. It allowed for students to still have access to in-person learning while following COVID-19 restrictions for the full 2020-2021 academic year.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
“I was born in Antigonish and raised in Paqtnkek First Nation. After a six-year career as a correctional officer, I moved back to my home community. Being with my family, friends and my culture was part of a healing journey. In 2020, I decided to attend NSCC to get my education in Automotive Service Repair. My mother always stressed the importance of education and that you are never too old to learn something new. I carry that mentality everyday, always trying to better myself, my family, and my people.
I decided to focus my career in trades to help me develop my own business.
Thank you for this opportunity. I’m excited and humbled I was selected as a recipient of the Scotiabank Entrepreneur-in-the-Making grant and will work my hardest to make my business idea a success.
Our community has a ton of resources. By doing this I’m hoping I can influence more of my friends and people my age to return to school and become qualified tradespeople.
I plan to start an automotive service station that can service my community and surrounding areas. It is a big step and I’m excited to see what happens. I’m learning as I go along and it’s been an exciting adventure so far! I’m excited to see it come together and I keep driving to learn and educate myself more. It’s a lot of stuff to cover and examine but it’s fun for me and I’m enjoying it all.”
Robert F. P. J. Recipient, Scotiabank Entrepreneur-in-the-Making Grant | Automotive Service Repair, Class of 2021, Pictou Campus
Nautical Institute hosts first Virtual Marine Skills Competition
In March, the first online edition of the Marine Skills Competition was hosted by the Nautical Institute at the NSCC Strait Area Campus.
The annual event brings together both the Navigation and Engineering cadets in team-building exercises designed not only to test their knowledge and ability, but also help develop leadership skills and confidence as they prepare to enter the industry. Navigators and Engineers are teamed together to test their proficiencies where safety, knowledge of regulations and technical skills will be demonstrated and executed in stations such as marine engineering and navigation simulators, mechanical challenges, seamanship, and signal flag communications.
The new format enabled students to benefit from the experience of preparing for and completing challenges, working in an online team environment, and the opportunity to compete for a monetary prize contributed by sponsors.
CSL Group, one of the long-standing sponsors of the event, recognized how vital it was to have the competition, even in the new virtual format, and shared in the teams’ and faculty’s enthusiasm.
“Once we found out that it was still possible to hold the competition virtually this year – we knew that we wanted to be a part of it!” says Alyssa Walters, Talent Acquisition Coordinator, CSL Group. “Employers enjoy the competition as well because we get to see the skills and knowledge students are learning in school being put into action. It’s a great way for students, industry partners and community members to collaborate and see what the marine industry has to offer.”
“As a first-year Marine Navigation student, the Marine Skills Competition helped me strengthen relationships with my peers, form friendly competition, and put myself out there for companies and future employers. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and consider it a highlight of my time at NSCC.” -Kayla Wemp, Marine Navigation Technology, Strait Area Campus
Letter from the Board Chair
It has been an honour to serve another year as chair of the NSCC Foundation Board of Directors. I feel grateful to do so alongside an experienced and invested board.
This past year we welcomed two new board members, Bob MacEachern and Colter Simmonds. Bob has had a decades-long career in broadcasting and business. Colter is a proud Alumni and brings with him a commitment to youth empowerment and community development. Both add a much-needed regional and community perspective as we work toward offering solutions that are relevant and tailored to meet the diverse needs identified from different corners of our province.
As we embark on the 2021-2022 fiscal year, I am confident that the NSCC Foundation team is well positioned to deliver on our promise of reducing barriers for students. They have continued to rise to the occasion and respond to donor and student needs with passion and commitment. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Michelle Bussey for her leadership and the Foundation team for helping NSCC students in these turbulent times.
On behalf of the Board, I want to thank you for supporting NSCC students. As a province and as communities, we have experienced tragedies this past year that will forever change us. I hope that we all share in the outlook that things will get better, and that Nova Scotians will prove once again that we are stronger together.
Introducing Lead the Way
We are witnessing rapid change, resulting in increased challenges, and growing equity gaps. Every industry and community has been impacted in ways we never imagined. Despite these challenges we see the potential for economic and social prosperity. This has inspired us to embark on a new fundraising appeal – Lead the Way.
Lead the Way is our vision of a better future, with a goal of raising $5M for immediate impact. Created through consultation with community and industry partners, Lead the Way responds to the needs and gaps identified in the areas of accessibility, culture, community, economy, innovation, and sustainability.
This initiative is unlike any the College has undertaken. There has never been a time where our students have faced more disruption or that our province has needed the skills and expertise of our grads than right now.
We know that delivering long lasting impact requires strategic partnerships and community input, which is why we invite you to join us on this journey.
Together we can be part of building Nova Scotia back better. Together we can lead the way for NSCC students.
We look forward to sharing updates on this appeal. To learn more about Lead the Way and the specific priority areas and innovative programs, please visit nscc.ca/leadtheway
Accountability
NSCC Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprising of community leaders and professionals dedicated to helping students realize their full potential. Our volunteer board is responsible for advocacy, fund development, stewardship and grantmaking related to donor gifts. Protecting donor rights and privacy through high ethical standards and transparency in our fundraising and financial practices is paramount to the Foundation. We are also fortunate to have several skilled external members on our Board sub-committees dedicating their expertise and time to the oversight for the work of the committees.
Thank you. Your support is making a difference
NSCC Foundation
foundation@nscc.ca | nscc.ca/foundation
NSCC Foundation is a member of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education and The Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Registered Charitable Number: 887210318RR0001