Premier Robert Ghiz announced details today of a new bursary program designed to make post-secondary education more affordable and more accessible to Island students.
Beginning September 2008, eligible Island students registered in a full-time program at UPEI will receive the $2,000 George Coles Bursary in their first year of study. Eligible Island students registered in a 2-year program at Holland College or la Société éducative will receive varying amounts depending upon the rate of tuition.
“I am happy to announce that we are honouring a commitment we made to Islanders in last years’ election campaign,” said Premier Ghiz. “This is a significant investment in our Island youth and a reflection of the value our government places on educating and training our youth to meet the challenges ahead.”
The Premier said the intent of the George Coles Bursary is to encourage Island students to continue their studies after high school, to study in Prince Edward Island and to support PEI’s publicly-funded post-secondary institutions.
“Education is a critical component of the economic strategy we released last week,” said Premier Ghiz. “Post-secondary education and training is a key piece of our advanced learning agenda.”
Richard Brown, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, says the bursary will encourage more youth to obtain a post-secondary education.
“Government has a role to play in improving the educational and career prospects of Island youth,” said Minister Brown. “Our economic success as a province is closely linked to our ability to provide an educated, skilled workforce to meet today’s labour market demands.”
George Coles was the Island’s first premier after responsible government was granted in 1851 and a Father of Confederation. He is described as the Island’s greatest premier because of the social and economic reforms he introduced. The Free Education Act was passed by the Coles Government.
For more information, please contact Student Financial Services at 902 368 4640 or at www.studentloan.pe.ca.