Digital Nova Scotia aims to expand diversity in tech sector with new award

By CityNews Halifax Staff

The association behind the province’s digital sector is hoping to make it easier for African Nova Scotians to pursue studies in technology.

Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) has launched the Techquity Award, an innovative educational scholarship designed to support African Nova Scotian students pursuing undergraduate studies in the technology sector.

Beginning this school year, DNS will award at least $5,000 annually to a deserving student with the Digital Nova Scotia educational award committee, along with designated DNS staff and volunteers, will select the scholarship recipients.

The main issue the province’s tech industry faces is qualified, diverse talent, DNS’ statement reads.

“One of the pieces of feedback we got was that sometimes money is an issue with access,” Owen Sagness, DNS’ Chief Executive Officer, tells CityNews Halifax. “I don’t know if that is the only issue but it’s certainly an issue we felt we could help with.”

He says only 1.5 per cent of students in Dalhousie’s computer science undergraduate program are African Nova Scotian.

He adds DNS hopes to expand the program in future years and help more students get into computer science, digital innovation and cybersecurity and other technology fields.

The landmark initiative is made possible through a $100,000 endowment fund in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia.