News Release


New Grant Helps Students Pay For Books, Computers

McGuinty Government Improving Access To Higher Education

September 10, 2008

More than 500,000 full-time community college and university students can now access a new, annual grant to help pay for their books and computer costs.

The $150 Textbook and Technology Grant is now available to full-time students attending an eligible postsecondary institution this year. The amount of the annual grant will increase to $300 a year when fully implemented.

Students receiving OSAP do not need to apply for the grant. Full-time students not receiving OSAP can apply for the grant online at ontario.ca/OSAP.

The Textbook and Technology Grant is part of the government's five-point plan to invest in the skills and education of its people.

Quotes

"Today's students will build tomorrow's knowledge economy, so we want to do everything we can to make sure students get the support they need to succeed," said Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy.

Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy
Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy announced the new Textbook and Technology Grant, at Centennial College as students look on. The $150 grant will help full-time community college and university students pay for books and computer costs."

"We are pleased with the McGuinty government's continuing support for students," said Linda Franklin, president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. "College graduates play an essential part in Ontario's economy and the province's support for students helps ensure college education is accessible."

"With this grant, the Ontario government again demonstrates its keen commitment to higher education by helping students secure the basic tools – books and computers – that will help them to pursue and realize academic success," said Dr. Paul Genest, president of the Council of Ontario Universities. "Premier McGuinty and his government continue to provide strong leadership in advancing the aspirations of students and our university system, so essential to the long-term prosperity of Ontarians and the vibrancy of our society."

Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy, joined by Minister Margaret Best, MPP Scarborough-Guildwood (Third from left, back row) and Tahir Khan, President of Centennial Student Association (Second from right, back row)
Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities John Milloy, joined by Minister Margaret Best, MPP Scarborough-Guildwood (Third from left, back row) and Tahir Khan, President of Centennial Student Association (Second from right, back row) announced the new Textbook and Technology Grant at Centennial College yesterday.

Quick Facts

  • This funding is part of the government's three-year, $1.5-billion Skills to Jobs Action Plan.
  • 100,000 more students are attending college or university in Ontario today compared to five years ago.
  • The Textbook and Technology Grant builds on the success of the government's Reaching Higher Plan. Through Reaching Higher, the government is doubling its student aid investment, with $358 million in new investments by 2010.

Learn More

Find out more about Ontario's colleges and universities.

See how Ontario supports students who need financial help.

See also: