Literacy Nova Scotia: Scholarships & Bursaries

Unfortunately, the Scholarship and Bursary Awards will not be available this year. We appreciate your understanding and remain committed to supporting adult learners in their educational journey.

Literacy Nova Scotia provides scholarship and bursary awards each year for adult learners who are upgrading their education.

Following a serious motor vehicle accident, Catherine Old found herself grappling with challenges that prevented her from returning to her previous job. Now on long-term disability and confronted with an uncertain future, she resolved to chart a new course. “I had been involved in an MVA from which I am still currently recovering from. The injuries have left me unable to return to my current place of employment. Faced with an uncertain future, I returned to school to change my career path.”

Returning to the classroom was a daunting experience for Catherine. “One of the hardest things about going back into education, especially as a mature student was the fear of the unknown. It had been such a long time since I’ve been in the school system. Initially, I had some self-doubt and not a whole lot of self-confidence. Since my accident, I’ve had deficits in my cognitive abilities such as concentration, focus and memory. This all came into play.”

The silver lining for Catherine was the personal triumph and self-realization she experienced. “The best thing about going back to learning was proving to myself that I could overcome and meet a challenge. It was refreshing and definitely a positive experience.” With her eyes set on the future, Catherine shared her plans: “I’m now headed back to NSCC this Fall to partake in the Office Administration program. This decision will have a direct and positive impact on my future. Proper training will open more doors for me. Having the ability to work within a new career will help bring much needed security and income to better support my family.”

Her instructor, Kristina Silmarie, commended Catherine’s determination: “Catherine enrolled in the ALP program with NSCC eCampus in January 2023. Catherine set the goal to earn her High School Diploma before July, so she could take the Office Administration program in the fall of 2023. This was lofty goal, but Catherine certainly rose to the challenge.” Kristina further noted, “As a learner, Catherine approached her studies with dedication, a willingness to ask questions and learn new concepts, an impeccable work ethic, and also, a lighthearted sense of humor. She is well on her way to reaching her goal to change careers and is the epitome of life-long learning and the phrase ‘It's never too late to learn something new’.”

Life took an unexpected turn for Rebecca Leighton in her senior year at CEC in Truro, as she was forced to put her academic dreams on hold. “I was on my way to graduate... but I was unable to finish high school after I became pregnant with my son and was too sick to continue my senior year,” Rebecca shared. However, her unwavering determination led her to work with the Canadian Army reserves to provide for her child. Her eyes remained fixed on the horizon, eager to rekindle her academic journey, she noted, “I wanted to come back as soon as possible, and I applied as soon as I was able.”

Rebecca's aspirations span from becoming a corrections officer to enhancing her military career. “I hope to... have my grade 12 so I can start work again to support my family, and to make sure I can give my child the best opportunities that I can.” Enrolled in the Adult Learning Program, Rebecca's enthusiasm is evident. “I absolutely love the Adult Learning program so far, and all my instructors and other ALP staff have been so incredibly supportive and helpful on my path to get my grade 12. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be able to finish my high school.”

Jonathan Murphy, Rebecca’s instructor, offers a testament to her dedication and capabilities. “Rebecca has demonstrated a strong ability to think critically, both in her writing and her in classroom discussions. Her writing indicates that she has a depth of thinking that is not common among her peers. She has excellent attendance, and shown a strong commitment to the program... Rebecca is the epitome of excellence in literacy, which is exemplified on a daily basis.”

Faced with life’s uncertainties, Rebecca has proven her resilience, emphasizing the value of perseverance. She embodies the spirit of hope, not only for herself but as an inspiration to her son, teaching him that challenges are but stepping stones to success.

Ray Howard is a passionate 30-year-old single father of two daughters who, has always felt a deep connection to nature, sports, and his First Nations community, Glooscap. Growing up amidst the beauty of the south shore, Ray's life took a turn when his family relocated to the city. The transition was overwhelming, causing him to stray from formal education and seek out his own path.

However, a pivotal moment in Ray's life occurred in 2016 when he obtained a license to grow medical cannabis. This opened the doors to his true passion, guiding him towards a career he felt truly passionate about. "Discovering horticulture felt like returning home. It intertwined with my Aboriginal heritage, and for the first time, I saw a future career I was truly excited about," Ray expressed.

Recognizing how returning to school would help him realize this dream, Ray completed the Adult Learning Program (ALP) at NSCC Kingstec. Now, he is enthusiastic about pursuing a diploma in Horticulture Operations and Landscaping Technology at the same institution. His vision doesn't stop at graduation; he aspires to continue his education at Dalhousie University, laying the groundwork for entrepreneurial studies.

Ray's ultimate goal is to start a community agricultural and horticultural business. “After graduation, I plan to acquire a small piece of land and start my own agricultural and horticulture, operation that would essentially evolve into a one-stop farm market shop for all-natural medicines. I would grow and make all my own medicines from topical creams and tinctures to essential oils. As well as produce and sell items such as tobacco, sweet grass and cedar as a few examples for ceremonies. Ideally, I would like this to be a community-oriented business helping employ and support my community and family members,” he shared.

Barbara Buchanan, Ray’s ALP counsellor, offered insights into his journey: “Ray, a dedicated Indigenous student, sought the ALP to garner the academic credits for university. His commitment to education, coupled with his profound respect for his heritage, shines brightly. Even though I'm not an instructor, it’s clear that Ray is a beacon of determination and vision.” Ray’s story stands as a testament to the power of resilience, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions.

Life sometimes presents challenges that can be overwhelming and the decision to return to school is never an easy one, especially with financial constraints and the responsibilities of motherhood. For Ashley Muise, the past year has been marked by significant financial hardships. “This bursary would be so helpful at this moment in time because, over the last year I have been financially struggling significantly,” says Ashley. Her motivation to persevere stems from her determination to offer a brighter future to her 8-year-old child. "I decided to go back to school because, I now have an almost 8-year-old, that deserves nothing but the very best," Ashley shared.

Over the years, Ashley has made several attempts to complete her GED. Despite the challenges of childcare and commuting, she has remained focused on her goals. While the path has been marked with setbacks, Ashley's spirit remains undeterred. She says, “The hardest thing about going back has been childcare and travelling. My main goal at this time is to finally complete my GED, then, I can make my career decision from there.”

Her instructor, Dana Osmond, holds her in high regard. Dana shared how, “Ashley is a tenacious learner who keeps coming back to her goal of getting her GED despite life circumstances which knock her off track sometimes. She is an extremely pleasant person to work with and full of good humour.” Ashley began her educational journey with Dana in the In-Home Family Literacy and Learning Program in 2016-17. Since then, she has been consistent in her efforts, clearing all the GED exams except for mathematics. Dana adds, “She comes back each year and tries to get further ahead with her math skills before taking the test. Despite her difficulty getting that passing mark, she is unwavering in her goal.”

Ashley's resilience in the face of adversity, driven by her commitment to her child and her own aspirations, is a testament to her strength and determination. Her journey inspires all who cross her path.

Scholarship and Bursary Awards Available to Adult Learners!