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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Education

Province announces new funding for low-income learners

Nov 24, 2022 | 5:36 PM

Alberta’s government says it is investing an additional $3.5 million towards the New Beginnings Bursary to support 700 more low-income learners.

The government says post-secondary education opens the door to new opportunities for Albertans both young and old. For some, however, these opportunities are said to be out of reach because of financial barriers. The government says every Albertan deserves the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education so that they can gain the skills and knowledge they need to build successful careers.

In June, Alberta’s government says it invested $15 million over three years to create the New Beginnings Bursary to support 1,000 low-income Albertans attending high-demand, qualified post-secondary programs with a $5,000 non-repayable support each year.

The program quickly capped out for the 2022-23 academic year, says the government, which left about 700 additional eligible applicants without a bursary. Officials say the additional funding of $3.5 million closes that gap and provides funding to all eligible applicants as of November 2022.

“Affordability is top of mind for this government. That’s why we have and will continue to increase funding for student assistance,” says Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education. “I’m very glad that we can now support all eligible applicants for the New Beginnings Bursary with this additional funding. All Albertans, no matter their income, should be able to access post-secondary education to gain the skills and training they need to build successful careers and join the workforce of tomorrow.”

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“We’re committed to implementing affordability measures to benefit all Albertans, including students, while delivering targeted relief for those who need it most. This additional bursary funding will increase post-secondary education accessibility and produce lifelong benefits for our students,” adds Matt Jones, Minister of Affordability and Utilities.

“The Council of Alberta University Students recognizes the increasingly urgent issue of affordability for post-secondary students, and we are pleased to see the New Beginnings Bursary supporting eligible students in need of further assistance. With the ongoing cost of living increase, is it essential to see this continued work from the ministry, which will ultimately provide some support and additional funding for those who need it most,” states Samantha Scott, chair, Council of Alberta University Students.

Officials say the New Beginnings Bursary is available to individuals studying in key economic sectors that are part of the province’s diversifying economy, including energy, technology, computer science, and aerospace and aviation, among others.

The government says all funding has been allocated for the 2022-23 academic year and Alberta Student Aid is in the process of contacting recipients.