Photo Courtesy: Province of British Columbia, Flickr 
student support

Students applying for StudentAid B.C. will be assessed for B.C. Access Grant: New supports for student

Jul 16, 2020 | 11:29 AM

VICTORIA–Applications for StudentAid B.C., along with the new non-repayable B.C. Access Grant are now open.

The upfront grant, along with new funding for students with disabilities, expanded open education resources and online support through BCcampus will aid in the opportunity to allow students to return to school and earn the college or university credential of their choice.

“Whether you’re a high school grad, a current student or are returning for new skills and training, these new government supports mean the doors are wide open for you to get a post-secondary credential and pursue your dreams.”–Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training

Everyone who now applies for StudentAid BC will be automatically assessed for the new B.C Grant which will help break down barriers and enable over 40,000 low and middle income students, to access more affordable public post-secondary education. These students will benefit from up to $4,000 a year to help with the up-front cost of programs leading to a certificate, diploma or degree.

Minister Mark also announced $2.175 million in new investments to support post-secondary students and faculty. The funding includes $20 million that will be shared by 20 public post-secondaries across the province, and will be used to develop or build upon supports for students with cognitive, mental health or physical disabilities to create the conditions they need to succeed.

In addition $275,000 will be provided by the government to BCcampus to help develop online resources and tools for students, staff and faculty to help them navigate a range of topics on well-being. This fall students and faculty will benefit from new Open Educational Resources (OER) being created and adapted. More than 310 textbooks, supplementary manuals and guides are available free through B.C.’s Open Textbook collection. The Province is investing $400,000 through BCcampus to create fully developed OER courses and support services for a broad range of the most popular courses.

Photo Courtesy: Province of British Columbia, Flickr.