New Employment Support Programs for Youth

Youth from low-income households or at risk of poverty in Nova Scotia will have better access to post-secondary education, training and apprenticeship opportunities with more funding for youth employment support programs.

“There are few social programs better than a good job, and that is especially true when it comes to young people,” said Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “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 government is investing in youth programs that help remove financial barriers and create new pathways to education and training, including:

• completely covering the cost of tuition, books and fees for up to two years through the Education Works Bursary at Nova Scotia Community College (up from 50 per cent) for 50 youth under the care of the Department or at risk of poverty
• supporting income assistance recipients and their dependants with a $2,000 bursary to help with the cost of new tools, clothing and protective equipment
• a new $1,500 post-secondary bursary for children of income assistance recipients pursuing university degree programs
• a new $3,600 post-secondary bursary for youth living in supportive housing or experiencing homelessness.

These new and expanded supports will be available for September; eligible youth can contact their caseworker for more information.

This $415,500 investment is part of the Province’s strategy to improve outcomes for vulnerable youth by expanding access to resources and opportunities.

Quick Facts:

• youth previously involved with the Department as a dependant of an income assistance recipient, an income assistance recipient or a youth in care are at greater risk of experiencing poverty as adults
• the Department’s Employment Support Services program helps people on income assistance get the education or job skills they need to gain meaningful employment
• the government doubled its investment in employment support services in the 2024-25 budget to $18.1 million, of which $10 million is directed to youth programming
• the Path Program provides up to six years of financial and wraparound supports to youth leaving the care of the minister

Additional Resources:

Employment Support Services: https://www.novascotia.ca/coms/employment/employment_services/index.html

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