The province has awarded 19 students a Nova Scotia Clean Energy Scholarship and two of them are local.

Max Digout, a Richmond Academy graduate was one of 8 who was awarded $3,000. He is in the Electrical Construction program at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Strait Campus.

Julia MacDonald, a Dr. John Hugh Gillis High School graduate is also one of 8, receiving $12,000 over four years for pursuing an Engineering degree at St. Francis Xavier University.

“This scholarship not only supports my educational journey but also underscores the importance of sustainable practices for a brighter, cleaner future. Together, we can make a significant impact on our planet,” said MacDonald.

The annual scholarship helps students gain the skills they need to work and do research in the renewable energy sector. Scholarships are available for natural resource and renewable energy-related programs at universities and NSCC.

“Clean energy is our future and students in this field will be leading the way to a cleaner and greener Nova Scotia,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “Congratulations to all the students receiving scholarships this year. I look forward to seeing your contributions to fighting climate change.”

The scholarship value depends on the type of program the student is pursuing:

— eight students are receiving $12,000 each over four years for university programs

— eight students are receiving $3,000 each for NSCC programs that vary in length

— three students are receiving $15,000 each over two years for master’s programs.

About 360 students have received scholarships since 2005.