On Tuesday, February 18, the provincial government announced its 2020 budget. Of note to students is a new BC Access Grant of up to $4,000 for low-to-middle-income earners entering post-secondary studies.
The grant will help more than 40,000 eligible full- and part-time BC students every year pay for their degree, diploma, or certificate program. It will be the first time a provincial grant is accessible for part-time students entering programs of less than two years.
In conjunction with the federal Canada Student Loan Grant of up to $3,000 a year for full-time students, needs-based full-time BC students in a program over two years will receive up to $1,000 a year in additional grant money from the provincial government for a total of $4,000.
Full-time students in a program under two years will receive up to $4,000 from the provincial government.
Part-time students will get up to $1,000 a year from the provincial government. The grant will allow students who have enrolled in a diploma or certificate program the same support as full-time students who are in a four-year degree program.
By redesigning existing grants programs based on input from BC student advocates, the new grant will be created from a new $24-million investment over three years. As well, the government will reinvest approximately $37 million from existing grants.
The Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) has long been lobbying for change in funding and financial aid for Camosun students.
“We’re very excited,” says CCSS external executive Fillette Umulisa. “We’re happy about this good news. At Camosun, we have lobbied for grants for the longest time, both on campus and off campus, with the politicians. We’re excited that our lobby efforts have paid off.”
University Transfer student Rogan Hall knows how important the Access Grant will be for people who need it.
“It’s good to have more ways of getting opportunities to more students,” he says, “because what makes a strong society is to provide for everybody.”
Continuing Education student Sandra Bunting says that she likes the idea of the grant for part-time students.
“I wasn’t sure I would qualify for a loan,” says Bunting, “but I would like one. The grant would help hugely to make sure the bills are paid.”
According to the British Columbia Federation of Students, student debt in BC has risen 88 percent since 1999. In 2004, the BC Liberal government eliminated the BC Student Grant program. The continuing increase in student debt, according to a 2018 RBC report, shows that graduates with a high debt load are delaying major life choices and not contributing to the economy.
The new BC Access Grant will be available for the upcoming fall 2020 semester.
Correction: This story originally had an incorrect breakdown of the grant money for full-time students in programs over two years, full-time students in programs under two years, and part time students. The story has been changed with correct information. We apologize for the mistake.