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BARRIE – Adrienne Galway, Executive Director of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), was joined by Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College, to announce the launch of a funding initiative aimed at supporting student access to postsecondary education and academic recovery from the pandemic.

ONCAT has awarded over $560,000 to eight postsecondary institutions in Ontario to develop programs and supports for students impacted by the pandemic. These projects include summer courses to help students recover pandemic-related academic gaps, coaching and mentorship programs to help students transition to and adjust to postsecondary studies, and specialized supports for Indigenous learners, mature students, and prospective students from historically unrepresented groups. All are designed to support the successful experience of students whose academic journeys have been disrupted over the last few years.

A 2022 report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) recommends enhanced opportunities for skills development, academic preparation, and transitional supports to prepare students for success in their educational journey, particularly for those whose studies were interrupted or affected by the pandemic.

“Postsecondary institutions are still navigating the impacts of the pandemic on the sector, and it is crucial for them to be able to adapt to their students’ ever-changing needs,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Through this funding provided by ONCAT, these eight institutions have created strategies to support students affected by the pandemic so they can reach their full academic potential.”

"The pandemic continues to impact students as they move along their academic pathways and we need to ensure that they are set up for success on their journey,” said Dr. Adrienne Galway, Executive Director at ONCAT. “These funding initiatives give students a strong foundation to build upon, especially those experiencing ongoing barriers to postsecondary access exacerbated by the pandemic.”

In total, ONCAT is awarding funding for 11 projects led by eight postsecondary institutions: Cambrian College, College La Cité, George Brown College, Georgian College, Humber College, Lakehead University, Niagara College, and York University. These projects are funded by the Government of Ontario.Students will benefit from these special projects through the 2023-24 school year.

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) was created to enhance academic pathways and reduce barriers for students looking to transfer among Ontario’s public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. For more information, visit www.oncat.ca. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario.