Beginning in September, all full-time Island students in their first and second year at UPEI will receive a new provincial government grant of $400 through the enhanced Island Student Awards program. Third and fourth year students will continue to receive a $600 bursary each year.

Through the new Island Skills Awards program, Island students attending Holland College and la Société Éducative will receive a new bursary of $1,000 each year. This replaces the $600 Island Student Award that they received in previous years. Students who receive Skills Development funding are not eligible for the Island Skills Award.

Education Minister Gerard Greenan says the new programs will provide most university and college students with up to $2,000 in provincial government grants over the course of their programs.

“The awards are an incentive for Island students to stay at home to study and to complete their programs. These new and enhanced programs, which are more generous and fair, will make it easier for more Island students to access the high quality post-secondary programs available here on the Island,” he said.

Approximately 2,500 students are eligible to receive the Island Student Award, while about 1,000 students are eligible to receive the Island Skills Award. These programs represent an annual investment of approximately $1.7 million in Prince Edward Island students.

Students do not have to apply for the awards. They will receive a letter from the

provincial government in early December advising them that the grant has been deposited into their account at UPEI, Holland College or la Société Éducative.

Detailed information about eligibility for the Island Student Award and the Island Skills Award is available by calling the Department of Education at 902 368 4640.

Minister Greenan said planning will begin soon to implement the New Beginnings program in September, 2008. This new program will provide Island students entering UPEI with a $2,000 grant. A comparable program will also be available to students entering Holland College and la Société Éducative.