At The PREP Academy, our work has always been rooted in community, collaboration, and a shared belief that every student deserves access to opportunity. Our partnership with Emera Inc. is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together with a common purpose.
A $500,000 Milestone Rooted in Community Impact
Emera’s renewed investment of $250,000 over three years marks a significant milestone for PREP, helping us reach an overall $500,000 funding milestone in support of our mission. This investment strengthens our ability to remove barriers that African Nova Scotian students continue to face and allows us to deepen the academic, cultural, and wraparound supports that are central to our programming, supporting approximately 150 students per year over the next three years through the College & University Cohort energized by Emera.
This investment helps ensure more young people have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in environments designed with them in mind.
A Partnership That Grows With Students
Emera has been a committed partner of The PREP Academy since 2021 and is now the organization’s largest corporate funding partner. Partnerships like this go beyond just funding programs but rather help to bridge longstanding gaps in access, representation, mentorship, and opportunity. Members of the Emera team have served as mentors for PREP students, offering workshops and job shadowing opportunities, as well as co-op terms at Emera and its operating company Nova Scotia Power. In addition to this, Emera and Nova Scotia Power regularly attend PREP Academy’s College and University Expo, meeting with various students to highlight the different kinds of career opportunities they offer.
With Emera’s support, PREP can expand its services, providing consistent academic support, and create safe, affirming spaces where African Nova Scotian students are seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
“Our partnership with Emera is about belief,” said Ashley Hill, Founder and Executive Director of The PREP Academy. “This investment affirms the value of our students, our community, and the work we do every day to remove barriers and create pathways to post-secondary education and beyond. We are deeply grateful to Emera for walking alongside us in this journey.”
“At Emera, we’re proud to invest in the future of youth in our community,” Mike Roberts, Chief Human Resources Officer, Emera Inc, shares. “That’s why we’re thrilled to renew our support of The PREP Academy as they continue to make a meaningful impact for African Nova Scotians exploring post-secondary education and early career opportunities.”
This partnership reflects PREP’s continued commitment to community driven solutions and to working with organizations that understand the importance of investing in young people today for a stronger future tomorrow. The donation was formally recognized at a joint celebration event hosted by The PREP Academy and Emera, which brought together students, Emera staff, and community leaders to mark the partnership and its impact
