The Ontario government recently awarded Loyalist College $211,000 to support literacy and essential skills training for the College’s communities.
The funding is part of an overall grant of $1,417,119 for literacy training in Prince Edward-Hastings which was received by literacy partners Loyalist College, Prince Edward Learning Centre, Quinte Adult Day School Inc. and Quinte Literacy Group.
Tom Malloy, Loyalist Dean of Skills Training, Access and Continuing Education, explained that the funding awarded to Loyalist College represents an increase of $171,000 to the College’s Ontario Basic Skills programming, and $40,000 for community literacy partners. “This increased funding is welcome and important, and will allow the College to continue delivery of the Community Literacy program in Bancroft, Madoc, Trenton, Napanee and Prince Edward County,” he said.
College Prep, and Ontario Literacy and Basic Skills are offered through Loyalist’s Access programming and are available year-round with new classes beginning every four weeks. The College Prep program, Loyalist’s Academic and Career Entrance program, is dedicated to helping learners meet their academic, employment and personal development needs in an adult setting. It offers both in-class and on-line courses which provides flexibility in scheduling. Individuals can earn their grade 12 equivalency in order to improve their job prospects and provide access to further education opportunities.
The funding increase will also benefit applicants to the Ontario Government’s Second Career Strategy. This program assists individuals who have been laid off and require re-training. It provides financial support, career planning and the upgrading that may be necessary for entry into a post-secondary program for eligible applicants.
“Loyalist is strongly committed to enhancing the literacy levels of all of the communities we serve through our high-quality and flexible programming and faculty and staff experts. This additional provincial funding is a welcome assistance in that work,” commented Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy.
Information about available programs and funding options is available through Brian Gibb at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2306. For information about the Second Career Strategy, contact Sandy Novroski at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2373.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca