Purpose:
Health Association Nova Scotia (HANS) is a non-profit, non-government, membership-based association with over 60 years’ experience in providing exceptional human resources shared services (Group Benefits Solutions, Corporate Solutions, HR & Talent Strategy, and LRCA & Educational Solutions), and expertise our members can count on. We also assist our continuing care and disability support program members to promote positive change in the sectors they respectively represent.
The annual scholarship program was established to demonstrate our commitment to achieving service excellence in these core functions. Additionally, in support of our members’ recruitment goals, the scholarship eligibility criteria have been expanded to include a student enrolled in Health Programs, such as Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, CCA, Recreation Therapy, or other related Health Programs, as well as a recipient who is pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education.
Funding for the scholarship program is made possible by the preferred partnership arrangement the Health Association Group Benefits Solutions Service has with belairdirect (rebranded from Johnson Inc.). We are delighted that this partnership is allowing us to offer financial support towards the education of our members’ employees and their children as well as to recognize and reward academic achievement and encourage students to pursue/maintain post-secondary studies.
Two of the membership scholarships have been named in memory of two dedicated health system leaders, Garnet Burns and Arlene Morrison, who both passed away in 2016. We are honoured to name these awards as a tribute to their memory and the extraordinary contributions they made to our health system.
Value:
Each year Health Association Nova Scotia may have monies to contribute to the Scholarship fund. For 2025, the values are as follows:
- $3,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in a Business Program
- $3,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in a LLB Law Program
- $3,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in an Engineering & Applied Science Technology / Degree Program
- $3,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in an Early Childhood Education Program
- $3,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in a Health Program such as Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, CCA, Recreation Therapy, or other related Health Programs.
If eligibility requirements are not met for one or more of these programs the monies will be awarded to a second qualified applicant in one of the other stated programs.
Eligibility:
To apply, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian resident.
- Have a parent/step-parent/guardian who is a current permanent employee of a Health Association Nova Scotia member facility (employer) OR who is a current permanent employee of a Health Association Nova Scotia member facility (employer).
- The program should be one that is applicable for a potential hire in our current care system:
- a student who is enrolled in a Business Program
- a student who is enrolled in a LLB Law Program
- a student who is enrolled in an Engineering & Applied Science Technology / Degree Program
- a student who is enrolled in an Early Childhood Education Program
- a student who is enrolled in a Health Program such as Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy / Pharmacy / Nursing / CCA/ Recreation Therapy, or other related Health Program.
- Whichever is applicable: have maintained a minimum 80% average in Grade 12; have achieved a GPA of 3 or greater (or equivalent) in the most recent academic year.
- Be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student in a post-secondary program of at least one year in length, in the fall of 2025.
- Meet the requirement of being a well-rounded individual who consistently demonstrates core competencies of high accountability, solid judgement, integrity, strong work ethic, positive attitude and respect for others. This includes being involved in extra-curricular activities. Extracurricular activities may include but are not restricted to community involvement, and/or demonstrated leadership and/or outstanding athletic/artistic performance.
Application Process:
Notification:
Please note only those who are awarded a scholarship will be contacted directly. All recipients will be contacted by September 26, 2025, and awarded funds will be sent via mail.
