Students attending B.C. colleges and universities and are struggling to pay their bills during the pandemic will continue to have access to a provincial financial assistance program.
Set up in March 2020, the non-repayable grant program has so far provided $9 million to students enrolled in programs at the province’s 25 public post-secondary schools, as well as the Native Education College, to help pay for living expenses, food, travel, and computer equipment.
Of that total, $1,283,500 has been distributed to students at fourth northern B.C. institutions, including Uthe University of Northern B.C. ($441.500), College of New Caledonia ($312,000), Coast Mountain College in Terrace ($330,00) and Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek ($197,000)
“This emergency financial assistance provides an important safety net for students to ensure they have the funds to focus on continuing their education,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, in a prepared statement.
“We know that pursuing post-secondary education can be challenging and stressful at any time, and particularly during a pandemic. That’s why we are taking steps to make sure students facing unexpected circumstances can access financial help.”
Students can apply for the grant through each school’s financial aid office or indigenous student service centre.
The provincial government student program is in addition to existing emergency funding for students fascing financial hardships already provided by many post-secondary schools.
