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Key Initiatives in Post Secondary Education
Increases in post-secondary enrolment
While post-secondary enrolment across the Atlantic region has slowed and in some cases declined, enrolment in Prince Edward Island has increased.
Quick Facts:
- UPEI enrolment up by 3% in 2010-2011
- Holland College enrolment up by 21% in 2010-2011
- enrolment grew from 6,068 in 2007 to 7,076 students in 2011 at both institutions
- George Coles Bursary provided $4,008,000 to 1,198 students in 2008 and 2009
- Island Skills Award provided $1,385,000 to 1,385 students in 2008 and 2009
- Island Student Awards provided $1,406,200 to 3,210 students in 2008 and 2009
These increases in PEI enrolment numbers are expected to continue as the number and size of education and training programs expand and recruitment of international students continues.
Investments in Prince Edward Island students
*New* Interest-Free Island Student Loan Program
A 0% interest rate for Government of PEI loans issued after January 1, 2001 and held by PEI Student Financial Assistance Corporation. The program begins October 1, 2012. Learn more about the Interest Free Island Student Loan program.
New provincial government bursaries and awards have helped to boost enrolments and to ensure access to post-secondary education for PEI students.
George Coles Bursary
Olivia Younker, a Charlottetown Rural gradudate, explains how the George Coles Bursary will assist with studies in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at UPEI
The George Coles Bursary is available to first time, first year student residents of Prince Edward Island enrolled in full-time studies at UPEI, Holland College, Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. or Maritime Christian College.
Other Awards:
Investments in education and training programs
Holland College Centre for Applied Science and Technology
The Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) is a state-of-the-art facility that enabled the college to double student intake in the bioscience technology, construction technology, environmental applied science technology and wildlife conservation technology programs. Annually, an additional 280 students will have access to even greater opportunities for advanced skills development.
View the photo gallery
Funding: $8.5 million from Province of Prince Edward Island and $8.5 million from the federal Knowledge Infrastructure Partnership
Holland College Centre for Community Engagement
The Centre for Community Engagement features a 9,400 sq-ft gym, state-of-the-art fitness centre, walking track, fitness studio, meeting rooms and classrooms.
Holland College West Prince Campus
The West Prince Campus is a $6 milliion facility that can accomodate up to 100 students and 14 full and part time staff, who provide training for residents of West Prince.
Six programs are offered at the campus: administrative assistant, outdoor power equipment, and welding level 1 certificate; sport and leisure management diploma program, small business management certificate program and adult education courses.
Holland College - Summerside Waterfront Campus
The Summerside Waterfront Campus will provide a new location for the Aerospace and Motive Power centres now in Slemon Park. Approximately 230 students will attend programs at this location adjacent to the Holland College Marine Training Centre.
View the photo gallery
Funding: $1 million from the Province of Prince Edward Island
University of Prince Edward Island - Health Sciences Building
The UPEI Health Sciences Building is home to the School of Nursing and the Department of Applied Human Sciences (formerly Family and Nutritional Sciences). The new facility features classrooms, offices, and laboratories—increasing the capacity for research.
Funding: $7.2 million from the Province of Prince Edward Island and $3.6 million from UPEI
"Education is the best investment for the future of Prince Edward Island. Advanced education benefits both individuals and the province as a whole by increasing skills, earning power and opportunities."
- Hon. Robert Ghiz, Premier
Key Investments
Interest-Free Island Student Loan Program
George Coles Bursary
George Coles Graduate Scholarship
Holland College
Centre for Applied Science and TechnologyCentre for Community Engagement
Waterfront Campus - Summerside
West Prince Campus - Alberton
UPEI
Health Sciences Building
College Acadie
MOU signed
Learn more:
Budget Backgrounder 2011
This information has been taken from website "Innovation and Advanced Learning"