Loyalist College receives $150k investment from County of Hastings to support early childhood education workforce

Belleville, ON, April 5, 2023 – Loyalist College received a $150,000 investment from the County of Hastings to support current and future students enrolled in the College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. The funds will establish the Hastings County ECE Scholarship at Loyalist, creating a new pathway of opportunity for the next generation of early childhood educators, and strengthening the future of the region’s early years workforce.

“On behalf of the entire Loyalist community, I would like to thank the County of Hastings for their generous support,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, Loyalist College President and CEO. “There has never been a better time to enrol in Loyalist’s Early Childhood Education program and launch a rewarding and in-demand career in early years education. These scholarships are critical in ensuring more students can access post-secondary education and find employment that will immediately benefit families in our community.”

This historic investment is part of one-time federal funding to address urgent shortages in Canada’s childcare and early years workforce. Over the next two years, the College will distribute up to $3,000 in financial support for 50 qualifying students pursuing childcare careers in Hastings County. Eligible class groups include:

• Current fourth semester students graduating in June 2023
• Students entering first semester in September 2023
• Students entering first semester in September 2024

Many Hastings County childcare providers contend with significant waitlists and a pressing need for qualified early childhood educators. Loyalist’s scholarship program will help address the regional staffing challenges and deliver high-quality childcare to the region.

“We are excited to partner with Loyalist College to recruit ECEs in Hastings County,” said Bob Mullin, Warden of Hastings County. “It is vital that we retain, recruit and value educators as they enrich the lives of children and prepare them for success in the future.”

Learn more about Early Childhood Education at Loyalist College.

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College 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 College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact:
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com