Removing Education Barriers For Crown Wards

 
 

November 12, 2009 9:30 AM

Financial Initiatives

One of the major barriers to postsecondary education faced by Crown wards is the challenge of paying for it.  Ontario offers a number of financial support programs and incentives for Crown wards and for students from low-income families:
  • Students may receive up to $3,500 in scholarships and bursaries before there is any reduction in student loans provided through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).   
  • Savings from the Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent will not reduce the OSAP loans available. Withdrawals from Registered Education Savings Plans established by Children's Aid Societies on behalf of Crown wards are also exempt.
  • In addition, the new funds equivalent to the Ontario Child Benefit will ensure recreational, educational, cultural and social opportunities are accessible to children and youth in care across the province.
  • The Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards provides current and former Crown ward students with a tuition grant for each year of their first postsecondary program for up to four years. This grant is available regardless of the number of years the student has been out of high school.
  • A student in a one-year postsecondary program receives a one-time grant covering 100 per cent of tuition costs (maximum $3,000). A student in a two-year-or-longer program receives a grant covering 50 per cent of tuition costs (maximum $3,000) for each year of the program, for up to four years.
  • The Crown Ward Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program refunds college and university application fees to students.
  • There are 53 Children's Aid Societies in Ontario. Many offer bursaries to current and former Crown wards under their care.

CONTACTS

  • Public Inquiries
    416-325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514
    TTY 1-800-263-2892
  • Ralph Benmergui
    Minister's Office
    416 326-1628
    ralph.benmergui@nullontario.ca
  • Tanya Blazina
    Communications Branch
    416-325-2746
    tanya.blazina@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
ontario.ca/postsecondary


 

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