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 rising costs 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 nearly $1 million in funding to administer stipends ranging from $1,000-$1,800 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, capstone projects or a practicum. The stipend is valid for students who were enrolled for Spring and Summer Semesters as well as the current 2023 Fall Semester. The program is not open to international students.
There are three categories of funding available based on the length of the work-integrated learning; one to five weeks can receive $1,000; six to 11 weeks qualify for $1,500; and eligible 12- to 16-week placements receive $1,800.
According to Jeff Martin, CNA’s Director of Student Experience, this funding will provide some much-needed help for its students.
“This funding is so important to our students,” Martin said. “It allows CNA to provide a one-time stipend to help to offset the costs associated with travel, accommodations and groceries 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 early in the current academic year. The deadline to submit applications is December 8, 2023.
For the student to receive funding, their employer or community partner must complete a short Partner Survey verifying the student completed the WIL at their company.
Applications are available to students through their MyCNA portal.
Students can also submit completed application via email at wil@cna.nl.ca.