A small crowd gathered in the main entrance at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough this morning for the official announcement of the Ontario Government’s 30 per cent Off Tuition grant for Ontario post-secondary institutions.

“This grant presents a real opportunity for students to reach their full potential,” said Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal. He continued, “It will allow students to be educated based on ability to learn, not ability to pay.” 

Trent president Dr. Steven E. Franklin was on hand to thank the Provincial Government for this new, important tuition grant. Dr. Franklin indicated that over 2,000 Trent students who are currently receiving funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) will automatically benefit from the Province’s new initiative. In addition, even more Trent students who are not receiving OSAP and who meet the eligibility criteria, will be able to apply for the grant by the March 31 deadline, under the program provisions set out by the Province.

“The grant being announced today by Mr. Leal is significant because it promotes access to a postsecondary education,” said Dr. Franklin. “This initiative also complements the long standing investments Trent University makes each year in financial aid for which we are consistently ranked number one among primarily undergraduate universities in the nation.”

Fleming president Mr. Tony Tilly provided the concluding remarks at the announcement.  “Finances are of significant concern to our students and are often a key barrier to affording post-secondary education. This program encourages more students to achieve the credentials and valuable skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.”

This September, the permanent 30 Per Cent Off Ontario Tuition grant will apply to the full school year. Students in a university or college degree program will save $1,600, while students in college diploma and certificate programs will save $730.

Helping Ontario students with the price of tuition is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to keep postsecondary education within the reach of all families, while building the best-educated workforce in the world. That leads to a stronger economy, and creates good jobs.

Find out more and apply for the new 30 Per Cent Off Ontario Tuition at http://www.ontario.ca/30off or 1-800-449-4478