Students are taking their skills out of the classroom to support community projects and gain hands-on experience.
Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Kelly Regan announced $50,000 toward Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) student-led projects today, March 2, at the college’s Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth.
“Our students have a tremendous amount of knowledge and passion to contribute to our communities and our businesses,” said Ms. Regan. “These projects allow students to apply their classroom learning, develop leadership skills and grow their confidence. For some, it could be an opportunity to kick-start their careers.”
Recording Arts student Mark Flowerdew, one of several funding recipients, is developing a recording studio for the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning. The studio will support existing programs for youth and community members, allowing them the opportunity to write and record their own music.
“I’m getting to do things that usually only people with years of experience in my field get to do,” said Mr. Flowerdew. “It gets me out of the classroom and builds my confidence in my skills, and in my job prospects.”
“We were delighted when Mark approached us with his idea,” said Heather MacDonald, the centre’s executive director. “His genuine interest in supporting youth in our community, his knowledge, and his energy matched perfectly with our need to develop a working studio. This space will become an integral part of our facility and will provide learning opportunities for youth for years to come.”
More than 25 NSCC projects are receiving funding for program-related community work in areas such as environmental technology, child and youth care, and dental assisting.
“This type of hands-on learning not only builds experience, it builds pride, a sense of community, and an entrepreneurial spirit,” says NSCC President Don Bureaux. “What you will see through each of these projects is that, by drawing on the innovative minds of our students, the impact of the province’s investment has multiplied dramatically. It has become a catalyst for much more.”
For a complete list of projects visit www.nscc.ca/differencedollars.
This initiative is supported by the province’s Innovation Team, which includes representatives from government, post-secondary institutions, students, and the private sector. The team makes recommendations in key areas including experiential learning, student recruitment and retention, and entrepreneurship.
Source: Release