College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) support for its students has received a big boost thanks to the One at a Time: Reducing Barriers to Work-Integrated Learning stipend program.
With the increased cost of living, students are increasingly feeling the pinch year after year, and this program can help alleviate some of those burdens.
Funded through Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) i-Hub Program to support students, CNA was awarded funding to administer stipends ranging from $300-$1,200 per person.
To qualify for this stipend, students must be enrolled in a program that requires unpaid work-integrated learning (WIL) courses, such as work experience, work exposure, applied research, community service courses or practicum. The stipend is valid for students who were enrolled for Spring and Summer Semesters as well as the upcoming Fall Semester.
There are three categories of funding available based on the length of the work-integrated learning; one to five weeks will receive $300; six to 11 weeks qualify for $800; and 12- to 16-week placements receive $1,200.
According to Jeff Martin, Director of Student Experience, this funding – valued at nearly $1 million – will be some much-needed help for CNA students.
“We are excited to announce that we have received funding of just over $900,000 to support students who are required to complete a work integrated learning component as part of their program curriculum. This funding is so important to our students,” Martin said. “It allows CNA to provide a one-time stipend for students to help to offset the costs associated with travel, accommodations and groceries for our students and will help to reduce the financial burden associated with their work-integrated learning experience.”
He says students who completed WILs in the Spring/Summer 2023 semester are still eligible to apply, while students scheduled to take part in work-integrated learning in Fall 2023 semester can get their applications in at the start of the fall academic year.
“The great news about this stipend is that students can apply for multiple semesters,” Martin said. “They must apply by semester and by course; and the stipend will be based on the maximum number of weeks allowable which is 16 weeks.”
The program is not open to international students. The only requirement besides the students filling out the application form is their employer or community partner must be willing to compete a short Partner Survey verifying the student completed their WIL at their company, which is a required component to receive the stipend.
Applications are available by visiting https://www.cna.nl.ca/MyCna/Financial-Support/Student-Financial-Assistance.aspx. Students can also submit completed application via email at wil@cna.nl.ca.
