The North Island College Foundation is celebrating a milestone this year, distributing more than $1 million in student awards for the first time in its history.
So far, more than $650,000 has already been awarded to students across North Island College campuses, with additional funding expected in the months ahead.
The foundation says these awards help students cover the cost of tuition, rent and other expenses at a time when the rising cost of living continues to add pressure.
In total, the foundation is providing more than 500 awards, including 24 focused on supporting Indigenous students. The average award amount is about $1,500.
NIC Foundation acting chair Shannon Baikie said the record year reflects both the generosity of donors and strong returns from the foundation’s endowment investments.
“Every donor carries a unique story, a personal reason for giving that pulses with purpose,” Baikie said. “Through their generosity, NIC students are equipped to pursue an education that transforms not only their lives but the communities around them.”
In a statement from the college, Baikie said the foundation’s ability to award more than $1 million this year was supported by strong performance in global financial markets. While this year’s results were exceptional, she noted that award totals can vary from year to year depending on investment performance and donations.
“For 34 years, the NIC Foundation has helped thousands of students pursue their dreams and transform their lives,” she said. “That’s made possible through the commitment of our team and the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education.”
The foundation says it remains focused on supporting NIC students and continuing to make a lasting impact in the communities the college serves.
– Article includes image and link supplied by North Island College
