Government is supporting post-secondary education on Prince Edward Island with more than $2.5 million in grants to roughly 2,200 students for the current school year, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.
The funding was awarded through three grants: the George Coles Bursary, the Island Student Award and the Island Skills Award.
“By investing in Island students, Government is making a strong investment towards a prosperous Island future,” said Minister Campbell. “We’re proud to ease the financial burden on students as they further their education and gain valuable skills. Helping Islanders get the post-secondary education they need to be competitive in today’s job market will go a long way to foster economic growth on the Island.”
The George Coles Bursary – worth up to $2,000 depending on tuition – is available to first year Island students attending one of the province’s post-secondary institutions; the Island Student Award is available at $400 to second year students, and at $600 to third and fourth year students at UPEI; and the $1,000 Island Skills Award is available to first, second and third year students attending Holland College or Collège Acadie î.-P.-É.
The provincial government’s slate of student aid programs represents an ongoing investment in Island youth and in the economy. The programs are often a critical support for families and individuals trying to pay for post-secondary education.
In 2008 and 2009, the George Coles Bursary provided $4,008,000 to 1,198 students; the Island Skills Award provided $1,385,000 to 1,385 students and the Island Student Awards provided $1,406,200 to 3,210 students.
“With our support, we have seen enrollment numbers increase at Holland College and UPEI,” said Minister Campbell. “Government is committed to building a highly skilled workforce across the province. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with the province’s world-class, post-secondary institutions to create opportunities for Islanders.”
Grants will be deposited to the accounts of successful students in the coming weeks.
For more information on post-secondary grants, please contact Student Financial Services at (902) 368-4640 or visit www.studentloan.pe.ca.