Students on Vancouver Island who face barriers to education and training, such as physical or learning disabilities, will benefit from a range of programs focused on helping them succeed at their studies and get the skills they need to find fulfilling and in-demand jobs.

Students who face barriers to education and training – such as physical or learning disabilities – are being supported with a range of programs being developed by individual public post-secondary institutions throughout the province.

Premier Christy Clark announced $450,000 to support the transition and planning work that will allow nursing students at the College of the Rockies to complete the four-year University of Victoria degree program in the region.

Darrick Louie, originally from Cortes Island, was working as a construction labourer at jobsites throughout British Columbia when he made the decision to return to school, “Employers kept asking me if I had my ticket. I made the decision to go and get it.”

Aboriginal students at 14 public colleges and universities throughout British Columbia will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs to support them during their studies.

Aboriginal students at Royal Roads University will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs and services as a result of the university receiving $75,000 in one-time funding from the Province.

Aboriginal students at the College of the Rockies and Selkirk College will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs as the result of receiving $75,000 in one-time funding.

Aboriginal students at Okanagan College will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs to support them throughout their studies as the result of the college receiving $75,000 in one-time provincial funding.

Aboriginal students at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs and services as a result of $75,000 in one-time funding from the Province.

Aboriginal post-secondary students studying in the lower mainland will benefit from a range of new and expanded programs as the result of $75,000 in one-time funding provided to eight individual public post-secondary institutions.