College education will be strengthened by the 2016 Ontario Budget investments Posted on February 25, 2016 at 5:32 pm. Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is welcoming today’s budget and the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening college education in Ontario. In particular, the budget will help more low-income students pursue higher learning that leads to a good job without incurring debt. For example, the budget measures will result in free average tuition for every student with a family income of $50,000 or less, starting in the 2017-18 school year. In addition, there are also commitments that students in families with incomes of $83,000 or less will receive non-repayable grants in excess of average tuition, and students in families with family incomes of less than $50,000 will have no provincial student debt. The maximum debt level for higher-income families will be capped at $10,000 annually. “I was very pleased to be in the Legislature today to hear first-hand about the changes to student financial support introduced through the provincial budget,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “At Durham College, we know financial challenges can often be a barrier to pursuing post-secondary education so the new Ontario Student Grant can be a game-changer for many of the most in-risk learners in our community and province. It means many individuals who believed post-secondary studies were out of reach due to costs will now take another look at how they can pursue an education that will make all the difference in their lives.” Lovisa was also pleased to learn of the government’s commitment to establishing a new $20 million fund over three years to connect college researchers with industry partners. While specifics of the funding are still to come, he noted the announcement is a result of the college system working together with the provincial government. Applied research operations at colleges across Ontario have been rapidly growing over the past number of years, due to the focus on working with small- and medium-enterprises. “This is a key investment by government as we know that college research has a direct impact on the economic well-being of our communities,” said Lovisa. “By participating in applied research, local companies create new products, new processes, new market opportunities and new jobs, while our students gain invaluable real-world experience that leads to faster integration into employment once they graduate and a greater appreciation for the opportunities that come with pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.” Durham College has been ranked among Canada’s top-50 research colleges for three years in a row, and its strategic research plan focuses on areas that are critical to building a stronger Durham Region and the communities around it. As well, colleges were pleased with the increased investments for aboriginal education and the commitment to consult on college funding as the sector approaches its 50th anniversary in 2017. “The budget recognizes that college education is a necessity for greater numbers of people,” said Linda Franklin, president and CEO, Colleges Ontario. “This budget demonstrates a strong commitment to helping more students acquire the qualifications and professional skills that lead to rewarding careers.” -30- About Durham College At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus concluded with the opening of the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food (CFF) located on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, baking, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, the CFF features Bistro ’67, a 70-seat, full-service, green-certified, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary and baking programs. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. Media contact: Krista Luxton Communications and Marketing 905.721.2000 ext. 2197 krista.luxton@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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