During his career as an engineering professor, Dr. Dalip Chehil was continually concerned about the small number of African Nova Scotians studying engineering. He wanted to change this situation and spread the message that more Black Nova Scotians should consider studying engineering. And so, Dr. Chehil and his wife, Kuldip established an endowment to support the Guru Nanak Scholarship, which provides $5,000 in annual scholarships for African Nova Scotian students pursuing a degree in engineering. The Chehils are now involved with a group who are working together on an initiative to encourage African Nova Scotian students to consider engineering education.  Â
As well as providing additional financial incentive and support for students, Dr. Chehil has also offered his support as a tutor to help the students who have selected engineering as their program of study. This initiative has many champions who are committed to changing the face of engineering.
"This is one among several measures that HÂþ» is taking to promote the recruitment and retention of indigenous black and First Nations students," says Sam Scully, HÂþ»'s Vice President, Academic. "We are seeking more broadly to increase the representation and participation of these communities at HÂþ». As a public educational institution we should provide an example of inclusiveness and diversity to society in general, and we are creating a range of initiatives to support the members of these two important communities in Nova Scotia. Accessibility is of paramount importance in the post secondary community and HÂþ» is proud to be leading the way when it comes to ensuring a diverse, accessible campus."
There are a number of scholarships aimed at increasing diversity at HÂþ» including:
HÂþ» Scholarship for First Nations & Black Students
Rt. Honorable Robert L. Stanfield Bursary Fund
Dr. Calvin W. Ruck Scholarship in Social Work
Sen. Donald Oliver Bursary for Black Atlantic Canadians
James R. Johnston Scholarships - graduate students
Reverend J.W.A. Nicholson Bursary
Jack & Bernice Prince Bursary
For further information, visit
As well as providing additional financial incentive and support for students, Dr. Chehil has also offered his support as a tutor to help the students who have selected engineering as their program of study. This initiative has many champions who are committed to changing the face of engineering.
"This is one among several measures that HÂþ» is taking to promote the recruitment and retention of indigenous black and First Nations students," says Sam Scully, HÂþ»'s Vice President, Academic. "We are seeking more broadly to increase the representation and participation of these communities at HÂþ». As a public educational institution we should provide an example of inclusiveness and diversity to society in general, and we are creating a range of initiatives to support the members of these two important communities in Nova Scotia. Accessibility is of paramount importance in the post secondary community and HÂþ» is proud to be leading the way when it comes to ensuring a diverse, accessible campus."
There are a number of scholarships aimed at increasing diversity at HÂþ» including:
HÂþ» Scholarship for First Nations & Black Students
Rt. Honorable Robert L. Stanfield Bursary Fund
Dr. Calvin W. Ruck Scholarship in Social Work
Sen. Donald Oliver Bursary for Black Atlantic Canadians
James R. Johnston Scholarships - graduate students
Reverend J.W.A. Nicholson Bursary
Jack & Bernice Prince Bursary
For further information, visit