The Student Summer Skills Incentive (SKILL) offers wage assistance to non-profit organizations that hire post-secondary students for summer jobs. Eligible organizations must be registered as a charity or active society and plan to hire a university or college student for 8-14 weeks between April and August.

Registered not-for-profit organization
Plan to hire a university or college student for 8-14 weeks between April and August
Pay summer student-employee minimum wage or more for full-time work (at least 240 hours during their work term)
Not receiving funding from any other government employment program for the same position

Who is eligible

Eligible types of companies for the Student Summer Skills Incentive (SKILL) grant include:

Non-profit organizations registered as a charity or active society with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for the Student Summer Skills Incentive (SKILL) grant may include wages paid to post-secondary student employees hired by registered non-profit organizations for summer jobs. The subsidy of $10.50 per hour ($11.50 for designated diversity groups) for at least 240 hours of work can be covered.

Wages for post-secondary student employees
Subsidy of $10.50 per hour ($11.50 for designated diversity groups)
240 hours of work

Eligible projects & activities

There are eligible projects or activities for this grant:

Hiring university or college students for summer jobs within non-profit organizations
Providing hands-on work experience related to the students' area of study

Evaluation & selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

Employers must be a not-for-profit organization registered as a charity or active society with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
The organization must plan to hire a university or college student for 8-14 weeks between April and August.
The employer must pay their summer student-employee minimum wage or more for full-time work (at least 240 hours during their work term).
The organization should not be receiving funding from any other government employment program for the same position.

How to apply

Step 1: Create a LaMPSS Account or sign in online
Step 2: Provide your charity number or active Society Act number
Step 3: Describe your organization and the position you want to fill
Step 4: Include a breakdown of the time employees will spend on different tasks
Step 5: Read the program guidelines for more information
Step 6: If hiring students in multiple counties, submit a separate application for each county

Documents and links

Student Summer Skills Incentive

Apply to this program

Student Summer Skills Incentive (SKILL) Grant Summary

The SKILL grant provides wage assistance to non-profit organizations that hire post-secondary students for summer jobs. Eligible employers can receive a subsidy for wages paid to student employees for terms of 8-14 weeks in the summer.

Student Summer Skills Incentive (SKILL) Grant Overview

The Student Summer Skills Incentive (SKILL) is a program that supports registered non-profit organizations, charities, and social enterprises in offering summer job opportunities to post-secondary students. Employers can hire students for 8-14 week terms between April and August and receive a subsidy of $10.50 per hour ($11.50 for designated diversity group members) for wages paid to students.

Employers must ensure that students work at least 240 hours during their term, with a maximum reimbursement of up to 525 hours. The program encourages hiring students whose areas of study align with job responsibilities to enhance learning experiences. Employers can also benefit from hiring students in Co-op or other Work-Integrated Learning programs, providing valuable work experience and course credits for students.

Organizations eligible for the SKILL grant are not-for-profit entities registered as charities or active societies and must pay students minimum wage or more for full-time work. Those receiving funding from other government employment programs for the same position are not eligible. Work Integrated Learning applicants must meet additional criteria, including providing confirmation from educational programs and paying at least $1 above minimum wage.

To apply for the grant, organizations need to create a LaMPSS Account online, providing their charity or active Society Act number and detailed descriptions of the positions they intend to fill. Separate applications are required for hiring students in multiple counties. The grant aims to support youth employment and foster valuable connections between students and organizations in Nova Scotia.