FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2023
SIMCOE— Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady wants area students to know they can apply for the newly-expanded Learn and Stay Grant. The grant provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other costs for students who enrol in an eligible nursing, paramedic or medical laboratory technologist program and agree to stay in underserviced communities to work after graduation. The program is designed to encourage students to learn and stay locally, helping to bring in-demand health care workers to communities that need them most across the province.
“I encourage students in an eligible nursing, paramedic or medical laboratory technologist program, and who are willing to work in underserviced areas to apply now,” said Brady. “Credit where credit is due, this is a good government program and should deliver more key health care services to people across Haldimand-Norfolk and the province. The grant gives students the training they need and our communities the medical services they need.”
Under the Learn and Stay Grant, $61 million has been allocated to support students and ultimately, communities across Ontario. Students can apply up to 60 days before the end of their study period, meaning they can apply for the grant well after they’ve started their eligible 2023-24 program.
Brady reiterates that to be eligible for the grant, students must:
o be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person and live in Ontario
o enrol in the first year of an eligible diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate, masters or post-graduate program in a priority region
o commit to work in the region where they studied for a minimum of six months for every year of study funded by the grant.
“This program is a classic win-win,” said Brady. “Students get funding to attain their career aspirations, and priority regions like Haldimand-Norfolk secure additional healthcare workers.”
Applicants should be aware that for the 2023-24 academic year, only first year students may apply. After 2023-24, the grant will continue to be available to these students as they move into their second year and beyond.
Students can find the application, as well as information about eligible programs and regions, online at Ontario.ca/learnandstay.
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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446