Donors help Make Way for NSCC students in Cape Breton
Matthew Devoe is well on his way to a career he seemed destined to pursue, with help from a scholarship made possible by generous donors to Make Way — The Campaign for NSCC.
A Marine Engineering Technology student at NSCC’s Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury, Matthew has always been interested in ships and their inner workings.
“I love getting my hands dirty and I knew this career path would allow me to do that,” he says.
Matthew says receiving the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering Scholarship made him feel “very happy and appreciative. It will allow me to focus more time on things others than expenses.”
It’s one of many scholarships, bursaries, and awards made possibly by Make Way, a $25-million fundraising initiative that also supports innovative programming, instructional equipment and centres of expertise, including Nautical Sciences at NSCC.
“The NSCC education I’m receiving, along with my work terms, is giving me a solid foundation for my future in the marine industry,” says Matthew.
Elsewhere in Cape Breton, Amelia Smith also recognized her calling. She’d been hoping to enter the Continuing Care field, but was unable to do so because of financial challenges. Fortunately, she was accepted last fall into the Shannex Pathway to Success Program, studying at NSCC’s Marconi Campus in Sydney.
The program sponsors up to 50 NSCC students each year through a tuition credit, 200 hours of work-placement experience and one year of full-time employment at a Shannex facility to eligible graduates.
Through Make Way, NSCC is proud to be partnering with industry to offer sponsorship programs that provide students financial support towards their tuition. These programs may also include opportunities for work experience and employment post-graduation.
“Assisting and engaging committed students will help us to address a skills shortage in this demanding field,” Jason Shannon, President and Chief Operating Officer, Shannex Incorporated, said when the Shannex Pathway to Success Program launched last fall.
“Our clients will benefit from the work of these talented graduates, who will have secured access to the fulfilling careers they are seeking.”
For Amelia, the program represents a turning point toward a brighter future.
“I had it tough growing up and it was so hard to find someone to put a bit of faith in me,” she says. “Now I’m able to gain experience and work in the highest-rated nursing facility. I am over the moon excited to be able to start my journey there.”
To learn more about how Make Way – The
Campaign for NSCC is making a difference in your community, and to donate, visit nscc.caa/MakeWay