NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA COLLEGE
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Beginning Fall 2025, Niagara College will provide renewable scholarships to cover the cost of tuition and ancillary fees for eligible First Nations and Former Youth in Care (FYIC) students.
The Strong Students, Stronger Futures Scholarship is a first in the Niagara region and seeks to empower marginalized and underrepresented students to achieve their potential.
“Developed alongside our partners from local Indigenous community organizations and Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara, the scholarship underscores Niagara College’s strategic commitments to student success and equity and inclusion, and it furthers our commitment to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” said Dr. Chris McGrath, Vice-President, Students.
In honour of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory upon which NC’s campuses are located, and the College’s relationships with area First Nations community organizations, the scholarship will support First Nations students, and eligibility will be determined in partnership with First Nations communities. The scholarship addresses the gap in various funding sources, including existing federal and provincial funding, which has proven to be a barrier for students from equity-seeking and sovereignty-seeking communities to pursue a college education.
“Each year, the Grand River Post Secondary Education Office (GRPSEO) is unable to meet the demand for postsecondary funding for our Six Nations of the Grand River community members, even at the low rates of assistance provided through the GRPSEO,” said Justine Henhawk-Bomberry, Director of Post Secondary Student Services at GRPSEO. “It is very encouraging to see Niagara College step up and provide much needed financial support to assist Six Nations of the Grand River students in order to securely move forward with their postsecondary education.”
In response to advocacy of local Band Councils and education offices, and in recognition of the immediate needs of First Nations students caused by gaps in federal funding for Indigenous education, Niagara College provided bridge funding for 10 students for the Fall 2024 Term to ensure they could accept their offer of admission with confidence and begin their studies.
Over the last five years, the number of youth FACS Niagara has supported at the postsecondary level has doubled. FYIC (previously Crown Wards) are young adults who have transitioned out of foster care and may be living on their own and in need of personal and financial support to achieve their education and career goals. NC will work with FACS Niagara to determine eligibility.
“These hard-working and talented young people are overcoming what were previously insurmountable odds, since those who have been in the care of a Children’s Aid Society are statistically less likely to achieve this crucial milestone,” Anna Bozza, CEO, Family and Children’s Services Niagara. “Niagara College’s ‘Strong Students, Stronger Futures’ scholarship will help promote equitable access to postsecondary education for youth who have been in care and help them develop into the leaders of tomorrow by pursuing a world class education at the college.”
“We are grateful to our partners at First Nations community organizations across the Niagara Region, and FACS, for their engagement and advocacy,” said Dr. McGrath.
The name of the scholarship – ‘Strong students, stronger futures’ – emphasizes that First Nations and FYIC students are, by nature, strong and with unlimited potential, and will only grow through their educational path at NC.
College seeks community support through the Together Campaign
“Local band councils and education offices have effectively advocated for the immediate needs of Indigenous students, caused by gaps in government funding for Indigenous education, said Gord Arbeau, Vice-President, Advancement. “The scholarship furthers Niagara College’s commitment to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the College is inviting the community to help contribute to the program’s success at a time when students are most in need.”
Support of these scholarships through the Together Campaign will help to help marginalized and underrepresented students realize their full capabilities.
How to apply
For full eligibility requirements, dates, deadlines and information on how to apply, visit niagaracollege.ca/strongstudents.
Support for non-local Indigenous students
This scholarship is new to the College and is intended as a first step in efforts towards reconciliation and to help bridge the funding gap. NC’s intention behind this particular program is to honour the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory upon which our campuses are located, and our relationships with area First Nations community organizations.
NC offers many awards programs for students from a variety of backgrounds. Beyond the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory upon which we are located, out of region First Nations, Métis and Inuit students may be eligible for other scholarships, awards and bursaries. Future students are encouraged to use our Awards Portal to learn more: www.niagaracollege.ca/awards/.
Support for non-local FYIC
Former Youth in Care from out of region who meet the criteria can access financial support through the Ontario Student Assistance Program’s Living and Learning Grant.
NC’s recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, when Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada recognize and remember the harmful legacy of residential schools, and honour victims, survivors, their families and affected communities.
During the week of Sept. 23, Niagara College hosted on-campus events and initiatives, including opportunities for students, faculty and staff to take an active role in the Truth and Reconciliation process through education. Events included a Corn Husk Doll making workshop, a screening of the documentary "The Nature of Healing," a panel with survivors of residential schools, and more. Students and employees took part in ceremonies and events in the community on Sept. 30.
Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.
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