P.E.I. is investing over $2 million towards lowering post-secondary education costs for students.
The investment plan, announced March 17 in a release, will also include an Experimental Learning Fund that will connect students to jobs and co-ops in their field.
Education Minister Natalie Jameson said helping students reduce barriers to post-secondary education is an essential part of the economic recovery during the pandemic.
"We are very proud of the quality learning that our provincial post-secondary institutions provide, ensuring that today's students have the opportunity to be tomorrow's entrepreneurs, innovators and workers," she said. "We will continue to look at options to improve access to post-secondary education and also find more ways to retain Island graduates in our province."
The investment plan, which is included in the 2021-2022 Operational Budget also includes:
- A $500,000 investment in Island Advantage Bursary to support low and middle-income students who pursue university or college
- Doubling the Mental Health Supports Grant to each post-secondary institution
- Reducing textbooks and program materials costs
The province will also partner with the Atlantic Police Academy to fund seats for under-represented groups and visible minorities.
Additionally, the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College and Collège de l'Île will receive a two per cent increase in their operating budget to help keep tuition costs among the lowest in Canada.