The Town of Amherst is continuing its longstanding partnership with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), committing another $45,000 over three years to help local students pursue post-secondary education.
Town and NSCC officials gathered on November 13 to sign the renewed agreement, following Amherst Town Council's approval at its October 26 meeting.
The new agreement provides $15,000 annually over three years, beginning in 2027, supporting seven Amherst students each year through the Town of Amherst Community Award. Each recipient will receive $2,000 to help offset the costs of pursuing their education.
The partnership began in 2018, when the Town established the Community Award through the NSCC Foundation's Make Way Campaign. The initial five-year commitment of $100,000 supported 50 Amherst students between 2018 and 2022.
The Town continued its support in 2023 and 2024, contributing another $28,000 to assist 14 students. Further contributions of $15,000 in each of 2025 and 2026 supported another 14 students.
With the latest renewal, the Town's total financial commitment to the program since 2018 reaches $203,000. The partnership has supported 78 student awards through 2026, with another 21 planned over the next three years.
The Town of Amherst Community Award is available to eligible full-time and part-time NSCC students attending any campus in Nova Scotia. Applicants must have lived in Amherst for at least one year and demonstrate financial need.
Through this continued partnership, the Town is helping reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education, supporting residents as they develop skills, pursue careers and build brighter futures.
Students interested in learning more about available awards can visit the NSCC Student Awards website.
