Empowering Student Success

At Niagara College, we believe in the transformative power of education. Our commitment to empowering student success drives our goal to provide every student with the support they need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Three students stand together outside smiling and wearing Niagara College shirts.

We prioritize providing students with the support and resources they need to succeed.

We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and enhancing the student experience through targeted investments and improvements.

84% of students surveyed in Ontario say that it is very difficult to afford a post-secondary education. Additionally, 77% say that balancing school and work at the same time is challenging.
Data source: Embark Student Corp.

By expanding scholarships and bursaries we will ensure every student has access to essential financial support.

Niagara College's students are hardworking and eager to excel, but they need more support. They need your support.

Approximately 22% of all students attending college across Canada receive non-repayable institutional financial aid.

Across Canada, colleges primarily depend on donor funds (67%) for student supports compared to operating funds (33%).

In Ontario, 67% of the funds are operational (generally through Tuition Set Aside) and 33% are donor.

In 2023/24 Niagara College provided 2,958 awards totaling $3,338,634.

Recipients received an average of $1,128.

At the same time, 696 students received donor funded awards totaling $848,538.


Recipients received an average of $1,219 from donor funded awards.

On average, students in receipt of government student aid demonstrated an additional need of $500 each.

Student need for financial assistance is only growing.

Newspaper clipping demonstrating students' inability to pay for necessities.

Newspaper clipping demonstrating students' inability to pay for necessities.

Report quote about students needing to obtain extra employment to afford housing.

Graphic showing sacrifices students have to make to afford housing.

Your support is needed now more than ever.

Manuel Felipe Perez Flores

Carpentry and Renovation Technician Program

"Winning a scholarship for my academic performance has helped me pay my tuition, which was a great relief. My experience as a co-op student was key for me to be able to show what I can do. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate to the employer my commitment and skills. So once I finished the program, they hired me and now I’m part of their team as a project coordinator."

Lauren Singhuber

Recreation Therapy

"Generous donor support directly helps me to pursue my future career in recreation therapy by easing my financial stress. Through most of my academic career, I have worked two jobs in addition to my full-time schooling. It has been quite difficult to balance it all, especially while continuing my involvement with community organizations, where I feel my time is most useful and meaningful."

Tania Raza

Dental Assisting

"As a Dental assisting student, this scholarship significantly eases my financial burden, allowing me to concentrate on my studies. It motivates and reinforces my commitment to work hard and excel academically. Your support has been a great source of encouragement and has strengthened my resolve to give back to the Niagara College community in the future. I'm inspired to help others just as you've helped me. Thank you for your generosity and for believing in my potential. I am deeply grateful."

Joseph Louis Ssekitto

Broadcasting - Film Production

"When I moved here from Texas at the age of two, it was just my mother and me. She worked tirelessly to provide me with a great life, and along with my father's support they both contributed greatly to my growth and success. Together, they have supported me every step of the way. One of my main goals during my post-secondary journey has been to give back to them for all their hard work and unwavering support. As a student deeply passionate about the film program and committed to contributing my best, your generosity means everything to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity has impacted my life, and I am immensely grateful.”

Ye Qian

Business - Online

"I am one of the recipients of the NC General Bursary.
It is tremendously encouraging to receive an award and it definitely gave me the boost to strive to finish my school year strong. I want to thank the generous donors who made this possible. Please know that the impact of this benevolent act goes beyond just me as a student but to my family as well. I am looking forward to the time when I also may be able to contribute such funds for future generations."

Stephanie Buck

Culinary Management (Co-op)

"I am a proud member of the Onondaga and Cayuga from Six Nations of the Grand River, and a single mother of 4 children. My dream is to open my own bakery in the near future. After many years of working in a kitchen and never moving up in the restaurant business, I decided it was up to me to educate myself in hopes to further my career. Returning to school after 20 years has been a challenge in itself. Scholarships have benefitted my family and me in many ways. Thank you."

In addition to increased financial supports for students, Niagara College is also committed to initiatives that enhance all aspects of a student’s overall experience.

Multi-photo collage depicting students in various Niagara College programs.
Multi-photo collage depicting students in various Niagara College programs.

Together we will enhance on-campus student experiences.

Providing a fulfilling student life that includes social, recreational, and personal experiences.

The gym at Niagara College's Welland campus displays the varsity basketball court and the Knights logo.

Improving Our Recreation Facilities

We will upgrade Niagara College's recreation facilities to support holistic student development.

Upgrading our gyms, sports fields, and fitness centres will provide students with amenities that encourage regular physical activity, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.

Modernized facilities will also enable us to offer a wider range of recreational programs and intramural sports, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students.

Your support will help improve our recreational spaces that inspire students to stay active and engaged throughout their college journey.

Student residence buildings at the Niagara College Welland campus.

Enhancing Our Housing Options

We will offer safe, comfortable, and supportive student living environments.

Renovating existing residences and constructing new ones at both campuses, will provide high-quality, affordable housing that promotes a sense of belonging.

Improved housing options will include modern amenities, increased capacity, and spaces designed to support social activities. These upgrades will ensure that students have a conducive environment for both studying and relaxing so that they feel at home while pursuing their education.

Your support will make these enhancements possible, allowing us to offer a living experience that supports student well-being and success.

Two seated female students focus on a laptop, surrounded by other students talking in the background.

Strengthening Our Student Services

We will bolster our mental health services, academic advising, career counseling, and accessibility support.

Investing in these areas, will ensure that every student has access to the guidance and assistance they need to navigate their college experience successfully.

Enhanced student services will also include initiatives to foster inclusivity and diversity to create a welcoming environment for all students.

Your support will help strengthen our support services that empower students to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and thrive both during their time at Niagara College and beyond.

Together we will create a new alumni and student space.

Building a strong sense of community for current students and our 120,000+ alumni.

A diverse group of students study together around a table with books, papers, and coffee cups.

Connection

We will create dedicated spaces where students and alumni can connect, collaborate, and continue their personal and professional development.

Establishing these spaces will help cultivate an environment where meaningful relationships can flourish to enhance individual growth and collective success.

This will lead to a more connected and supportive network that benefits all members of our College community.

Your support will ensure that our students and alumni have the resources and opportunities they need to stay connected and thrive together.

A colourful, circular NC branded balloon in the foreground with several people standing in the background and networking.

Networking

We will create new hubs for networking, mentorship, and lifelong learning to foster a sense of belonging and engagement with the College.

Developing these hubs will provide students and alumni with the tools and opportunities to build valuable connections that can propel their careers forward.

This will create a lasting impact by strengthening the ties between our students, alumni, and the broader professional community.

Your support will help create dynamic environments that enable meaningful interactions, expand professional networks, and drive ongoing career advancement for all members of our NC community.

A diverse group of students smiling and posing together.

Community

We will create communal spaces such as lounges, study areas, and event venues to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions and relationship-building.

Designing these spaces will foster a welcoming atmosphere where students and alumni can engage with one another, share experiences, and build lasting bonds.

This will contribute to a vibrant and cohesive community where everyone feels they belong.

Your support will develop communal spaces to reinforce a sense of community for both current students and alumni.

Together we will invest in new teaching and learning environments.

Equipping students with advanced resources and hands-on opportunities for academic and career success.

A female professor stands at the front of a classroom, delivering a presentation to engaged students seated at desks.

Modern Classrooms

We will invest in the creation of modern classrooms that are designed to facilitate dynamic and interactive learning experiences.

These new classrooms will be equipped with the latest educational technology, including smart boards, interactive displays, and advanced audio-visual systems, to support a wide range of teaching methods and learning styles.

The flexible seating arrangements will encourage collaboration and group work to make it easier for students to engage with their peers and instructors.

Providing a stimulating and adaptable learning environment will enhance student engagement and improve educational outcomes.

Your support will build classrooms that inspire creativity, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for the demands of their careers.

A female student wearing a white lab coat looks through a microscope in a laboratory setting.

Applied Learning Spaces

We will invest in cutting-edge applied learning spaces that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

These specialized facilities, such as labs, workshops, and studios, will be designed to simulate real-world environments, giving students hands-on experience in their fields of study.

Equipped with industry-standard tools and equipment, these spaces will allow students to practice their skills, conduct experiments, and work on projects that reflect actual professional scenarios.

Investing in applied learning spaces, we can ensure that our students are not only well-versed in academic concepts but also adept at applying their knowledge in practical settings.

Your support will offer students experiential learning opportunities that enhance job readiness and foster innovation.

A female student wears a virtual reality headset engaged in an immersive learning experience while a female professor stands nearby.

Learning Technology

We will invest in advanced learning technology that transforms the educational experience at Niagara College.

These new technology tools include the integration of virtual and augmented reality tools, online learning platforms, and advanced software applications that support interactive and immersive learning.

Incorporating these technologies into our teaching and learning environments will provide students access to additional resources and create a more engaging and effective educational experience.

Your support will help NC stay at the forefront of educational innovation by ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Today's Students, Tomorrow's Workforce

A group of Niagara College students in graduation gowns stands together during a convocation ceremony with one smiling female student featured in the foreground.

"Our goal is to make education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background," said Niagara College President, Sean Kennedy. "Expanding scholarships and bursaries will provide much-needed financial assistance to ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial stress."

Niagara College is also committed to enriching campus life with upgraded recreation facilities, improved housing, and expanded student services.

Additionally, creating new spaces for alumni and students to connect and collaborate is a priority.

By investing in state-of-the-art classrooms and applied learning environments, Niagara College aims to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need for future success.

Each of these initiatives is designed to foster a more supportive, engaging, and effective educational experience that empowers students to achieve their goals and thrive.

Scenic view of the front building at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Headshot of Liam Galton.

"Receiving a scholarship significantly boosted my confidence and helped reduce my student debt. Thank you to the donors! I have enjoyed my time at Niagara College, especially studying with fantastic professors and working in the campus greenhouse. After graduation, I secured a great position with a top landscape firm where I am able to apply my knowledge and skills.”

Glenn G.,
Landscape Horticulture Techniques and Horticulture Technician

We can't do this alone!

We can meet this challenge... Together.

Join the comprehensive Niagara College Together fundraising campaign
and be part of a collaborative opportunity to enact transformative change.

On behalf of our students, and everyone at Niagara College, we thank you for your generous consideration of our proposal. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our plans further and are happy to answer any questions you have.

To learn more, connect with:

Gord Arbeau,
Vice President of Advancement

garbeau@niagaracollege.ca

Shannon Boeckner,
Senior Director, Development & Donor Stewardship

sboeckner@niagaracollege.ca

For more information, visit niagaracollege.ca/together.

Digital sign at DJP campus displaying 'Thank you!' with some tulips in the foreground.