KAWARTHA LAKES-Applications for the newly-expanded Learn and Stay Grant open today.
The grant provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other costs for students who enrol in an eligible nursing, paramedic or medical laboratory technologist program and agree to stay in underserviced communities to work after graduation. Officials say the program is designed to encourage students to learn and stay locally, helping to bring in-demand healthcare workers to communities that need them most across the province.
“Applications are now open for the Learn and Stay grant, marking an exciting milestone in our government’s plan to deliver more convenient and connected care for people in every corner of the province,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “This grant is a win-win for postsecondary students and communities across Ontario, ensuring our future health care workers get the world-class training they need to give a much-needed boost to local health care facilities in the communities that need it most.”
“We know the status quo isn’t working and moving forward with bold initiatives like these to add more health care professionals in Ontario will benefit in rural and remote communities especially,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Opening applications for the expanded program to offer grants to nursing and two additional health care roles in high demand will help ensure that Ontarians, no matter the size of their community, will receive the care they need closer to home.”
Grant applications for the 2023-24 academic year are now open for postsecondary students who enrol in their first year in the following programs and regions:
- Nursing programs in northern, eastern and southwestern Ontario
- Medical laboratory technologist/medical laboratory sciences programs in northern and southwestern Ontario
- Paramedic programs in northern Ontario.
Students can apply up to 60 days before the end of their study period, meaning they can apply for the grant well after they’ve started their eligible 2023-24 program.
To be eligible for the grant, students must:
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- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person and live in Ontario
- enrol in the first year of an eligible diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate, masters or post-graduate program in a priority region
- commit to work in the region where they studied for a minimum of six months for every year of study funded by the grant.
For the 2023-24 academic year, only first-year students may apply. After 2023-24, the grant will continue to be available to these students as they move into their second year and beyond. Students can also apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to help pay for other costs, such as living expense
Students can find the application, as well as information about eligible programs and regions, online at Ontario.ca/learnandstay.
