BUSU is excited by Niagara Regional Council's newest initiative

Earlier this week it was announced that the Niagara Regional Council has created a bursary program to help fund the post-secondary aspirations of local residents from low-income backgrounds. 'The news is certainly welcomed,' said Jody Thomas, BUSU President, who added that the cost of a post-secondary education is consistently increasing at a rate greater than that of student financial assistance.

Rob Lanteigne, BUSU's Vice President University Affairs recognized that 'traditionally, Regional and Municipal Governments have played a very minor role in providing direct funding for the post-secondary education of its residents. To see the Regional Council step up to help those who have traditionally struggled to afford a post-secondary education is definitely a break with tradition we are excited about.' Lanteigne believes the up-front and non-repayable nature of the funding will help to improve access and affordability of post-secondary education.

Both Thomas and Lanteigne echo the sentiments of Program Director Sarah Pennisi and Chairman Peter Partington that an investment like this, in the education of low-income youth, will pay dividends in the future for both the region and the recipients of the bursaries. BUSU applauds the Region for taking the initiative to invest directly in the success of students pursuing post-secondary studies.

Information about the bursary program and the application process can be found on the Region of Niagara website at www.regional.niagara.on.ca

BUSU is a not-for-profit organization representing and working to improve the post-secondary education experience of students at Brock University.

For more information, please contact BUSU Vice President University Affairs,Rob Lanteigne, at 905 688-5550 ext 4198, or by e-mail at vpua@busu.net

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