Georgian Stay And Learn (Photo provided by Georgian College)
New nursing students entering Georgian College’s new Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing and Practical Nursing programs will be able to make use of the provincial governments new grant program.
The college says in a release the new Ontario Learn and Stay Grant will assist students who are looking for a career in the nursing field by offering to help cover the costs of going to school if they commit to working in that same region to help fill labour shortages.
Associate Dean of Nursing Programs, Health, Wellness and Sciences at Georgian Dr. Sara Lankshear says this new program will encourage students to learn and work in the same region where they study.
“It will also help ensure communities have the workers they need for these in-demand healthcare jobs and specifically help address the current and future labour market needs in the Owen Sound area,” says Dr. Lankshear.
The college says the funding amount of the grant may vary between the diploma and degree of the nursing program, but most applicants will receive between $5,000 and $10,000 per year, and are renewable each year by application.
“While this new funding will be a huge financial boost for nursing students, they will still be encouraged to apply for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to offset other expenses such as living costs. Georgian’s donor-funded awards, scholarships and bursaries can also help fill the gap with other expenses incurred during their postsecondary journey,” says the college.
To apply for the grant, students must be an Ontario resident and Canadian citizen, as well as a permanent resident or protected person who has successfully enrolled and entering into their first semester of either practical nursing or the new nursing program at Georgian for fall 2023 or winter 2024 at the Owen Sound campus.
Students will also need to commit to work in the region for a minimum of six months for every year of study funding by the grant.
Applications are currently open for the programs at the Owen Sound campus, with the grant applications opening this spring.
More details are available on the Georgian College website here.