Nova Scotia is expanding access to post-secondary education and skills training for vulnerable youth with new funding for employment support programs aimed at breaking cycles of poverty.
The province will now fully cover tuition, books and fees for up to two years at Nova Scotia Community College for 50 youth under government care or at risk of poverty, said Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development.
“There are few social programs better than a good job, and that is especially true when it comes to young people,” said Armstrong. “Programs like these give more bright, young Nova Scotians the opportunity to go to college or university or get a skilled trade – important choices that might not otherwise be available to them – helping to chart a new course for themselves and their families.”
The $415,500 investment also includes several new bursaries for vulnerable youth: $2,000 for income assistance recipients and their dependants to purchase tools, clothing and protective equipment; $1,500 for children of income assistance recipients pursuing university degrees; and $3,600 for youth living in supportive housing or experiencing homelessness.
All supports will be available starting September, with eligible youth directed to contact their caseworkers for details.
The funding is part of a broader provincial strategy to improve outcomes for at-risk youth, following the government’s doubled investment in employment support services to $18.1 million in the 2024-25 budget, with $10 million specifically directed to youth programming.
Youth previously involved with the department as dependants of income assistance recipients, as recipients themselves, or as youth in care face higher risks of experiencing poverty as adults.
The province also offers the Path Program, which provides up to six years of financial and additional supports to youth transitioning out of government care.
