Emergency Funding Boost Supports Student Success in the North

April 9, 2021

Prince George — Students attending post-secondary institutions in northern British Columbia have access to emergency assistance funding to help them cope with financial pressures caused by COVID-19.

“Pursuing a post-secondary education is already a challenge, but it’s particularly difficult during a global pandemic,” said Jennifer Rice, North Coast MLA, “this emergency funding will help make sure students have the necessary funds to continue their education.”

Since March 2020, post-secondary institutions in northern B.C. have received a combined total of $1,283,500 to assist students, including Indigenous students, who are experiencing an unexpected financial emergency that may affect their ability to complete their studies and handle expenses, especially those related to COVID-19:

Coast Mountain College – $333,000
College of New Caledonia – $312,000
Northern Lights College – $197,000
University of Northern British Columbia – $441,500
The non-repayable emergency assistance can be used to help with a broad range of costs, including living expenses, food, travel, portable computers and other supports for students who are returning to campuses for 2021-22. This emergency funding is part of $9 million invested since March 2020 to help B.C. post-secondary students.

Students who attend one of B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions, as well as the Native Education College and students enrolled in post-secondary programs at Indigenous institutes, may apply to access these funds by contacting their school’s financial aid office or Indigenous student service centre.