Loyalist College announces $1M for student needs-based financial assistance

Belleville, Ontario, May 11, 2020 – Loyalist College has allocated $1M to provide students with needs-based financial assistance, required now more than ever as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A $700,000 fund will help qualified returning domestic and international students pay for their Loyalist education with a one-time bursary of up to $1,000 towards the cost of tuition. Loyalist Student Government, on behalf of its student members, has donated $300,000 to the fund.

“We are taking unprecedented action to remove financial barriers and support students in completing their Ontario college diploma, certificate or degree,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO. “Thank you to Loyalist Student Government and the generosity of all student members who are enabling each other to continue their studies despite severe financial hardships brought about by COVID-19. We invite the College community to please help us build on this fund to empower more students in acquiring knowledge and skills, which will increase their opportunities and provide stability during these challenging times of change and uncertainty.”

The $700,000 fund is in addition to approximately $300,000 made available annually to incoming domestic students through government needs-based financial assistance, as well as more than $350,000 in returning and new student awards from The Loyalist College Foundation endowment and expendable accounts. This includes support from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, for the Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades, designed to increase interest and participation in skilled trades careers.

“We want to help our fellow students overcome the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully continue their journey at Loyalist College,” said Jenish Patel, Loyalist Student Government President. “As students ourselves, we understand the difference this financial support can make in the lives of students.”

Returning students can access the bursary application through the MyLoyalist portal. New students who have accepted their offer will be sent an application in the coming weeks.

To make a donation in support of student financial needs-based bursaries, visit loyalistcollege.com/support-loyalist/donate-now/.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 5.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $465 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2018 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.

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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536