# Northern Lights College entrance awards ease financial pressure for local students

Northern Lights College is paving a clearer path to higher education for local high school graduates through its annual Student Recruitment Entrance Awards. Supported by the NLC Foundation, these awards help smooth the transition into post-secondary education by removing financial hurdles for students across the region. Students accepted into the eligible programs will get a one-time award of $1,000 tuition credit.

Program Eligibility & Criteria

The qualifying programs vary annually and are typically announced in the fall for the upcoming academic year. Criteria for these entrance awards are intentionally designed to be low-barrier. To automatically qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Currently be a Grade 12 learner in one of our college communities

Have applied for admission to NLC

Be enrolled in full-time studies for the upcoming semester in an eligible program

The eligible programs for 2027 are:

Accounting Diploma

Applied Business Technology

Associate of Arts Degree (Education)

Associate of Science (Environmental Science) Degree

Business Management Certificate or Diploma

Early Childhood Education and Care - Inclusive Education Diploma

Early Childhood Education and Care - Infant/Toddler Education Diploma

Education Assistant Certificate or Diploma

Environmental Restoration Diploma

Environmental Site Assessment Technician Certificate

Indigenous Human Service Worker Certificate

Interactive and Digital Technologies

Professional Cook 1

Supporting Student Success and Regional Growth

The awards align directly with the Student Journey pillar of NLC’s strategic plan. Coline Casey, former Manager of Student Recruitment and current Director of Indigenous Education, emphasized how these awards impact incoming learners.

"They help make the entry into NLC a smoother and more positive experience. These awards also support an NLC-wide emphasis on student success and well-being by reducing financial stressors and helping students benefit from coordinated supports."

In addition to easing personal financial burdens, the program helps boost enrollment in key training streams across the college.

"The Student Recruitment Entrance Awards are more than just financial assistance. They are an investment in the future of Northeast BC and in the success of local students," says Cathy Rejouis, Manager of Student Recruitment. "By helping reduce financial barriers, these awards make it easier for graduates to take the next step toward post-secondary education while staying connected to their communities. They also open the door to the full Northern Lights College experience — whether that means pursuing a career-focused program such as Professional Cook, engaging in extracurricular opportunities like speed skating or rodeo, or building lifelong connections on campus. These awards help students see that their educational goals are within reach and that NLC is a place where they can learn, grow, and thrive."