TORONTO, April 14, 2020 /CNW/ – The York University School of Continuing Studies announced today the launch of their Continuing Studies Emergency Benefit as an urgent response to the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any Canadian who has been approved for the recently launched Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) can apply for the Continuing Studies Emergency Benefit.
“To help struggling Canadians, we immediately increased our capacity in our certificate programs starting this May. But in recent days, after seeing the economic devastation, we knew we had to do more to help people access short, fast university credential programs tied to high demand careers,” said Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly Assistant Vice-President, Continuing Studies.
Guided by York University’s pillars of accessibility, connectedness, excellence, and impact, The Benefit will remove financial barriers that prevent qualified individuals in need to gain immediate access to high quality, accelerated online university credentials.
The School will award seventeen individuals with $1,500 toward their School of Continuing Studies’ certificate tuition. This $25,500 Benefit program is immediately available to Canadian workers who have unexpectedly lost their jobs or are facing financial difficulty due to the on-going pandemic. The CERB is a requirement, and candidates will be selected based on their fit with the program. The Benefit can be applied to any online certificate program that begins in May.
Online certificate programs are tied to high demand careers as there are many high skills jobs available in Canada, but not enough people qualified to fill them. Although Canadians are facing high unemployment, layoffs, and downsizing due to COVID-19, the need to fill the skills gap isn’t going away. The Benefit will support Canadians who want to reskill or upskill in high-demand fields, allowing them to stay competitive and seize opportunities during and after the crisis.
“In difficult economic times, adults tend to return to university to increase stability and improve their earning potential,” said Taylor-O’Reilly. “We took this unprecedented action as part of our commitment to help Canadians get through this crisis and reduce the skills gap.”
The key to success is having a strong match between the program and the job prospects. All of the School’s programs are designed with employers and are in fields where there is a significant and sustained shortage of qualified candidates.
The School of Continuing Studies has also allocated $50,000 as part of an Emergency Bursary program for currently enrolled students who have experienced financial hardships due to the crisis, and started a #LetsContinYU public service campaign on social media to give Canadians access to timely expertise from Instructors and industry leaders during the pandemic.
Individuals can apply to the Continuing Studies Emergency Benefit from now until April 30, 2020. For more information on eligibility criteria and how and where to apply, visit http://continue.yorku.ca/funding/continuing-studies-emergency-benefit/
About the York University School of Continuing Studies
York University’s School of Continuing Studies is one of the fastest growing continuing education providers in the country. With a commitment to lifelong learning and access to education, the School offers non-degree certificate programs and language training. The School is composed of a dynamic Continuing Professional Education (CPE) unit that develops innovative certificate programs that prepare professionals to thrive in the rapidly changing world of work. It is also home to the York University English Language Institute (YUELI) — the largest public English language institute in Canada.
SOURCE York University School of Continuing Studies
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