Ontario and Humber unite to provide emergency funds for post-secondary education

Nearly $1.2-million in contributions from the province, IGNITE student union and Humber to directly support students

By Emily Milic on
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The Ontario government announced $25-million in emergency funds to the province’s post-secondary education sector today. Humber will receive $400,000, and the college will match that amount. All funds will go towards direct student support.

A sign on Humber College North Campus“This emergency funding will help us to support students through this challenging and unprecedented situation,” said Chris Whitaker, president and CEO, Humber College. “We thank the province for their significant contribution and for their leadership throughout this COVID-19 pandemic.”

The provincial funds allocated to Humber will be combined with contributions from IGNITE student union and the College to provide financial support to students totaling $1,190,000.

Additional highlights of the province’s announcement include:

  • Temporary deferral of payments of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loans until September 30,
  • Making online learning supports, including year-end exams, available to post-secondary institutions.

Last week, IGNITE student union announced a $250,000 Emergency Financial Relief Fund for Humber and University of Guelph-Humber students. Humber College combined the funding with existing bursary funds to support students.

A student takes notes on a laptop at Humber College“As we all navigate this evolving situation, our priorities continue to be the well-being of the Humber community and supporting students to successfully complete their semesters,” said Whitaker. “Working together with all levels of government, IGNITE and our dedicated staff and faculty, we are committed to doing everything that we can to alleviate as much uneasiness as possible during this uncertain time.”

For the latest COVID-19 news and information from Humber, visit www.humber.ca/updates.