Students at Douglas College now have access to more than $600,000 in emergency funding to help reduce financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The emergency fund has received $460,000 of newly designated support, including contributions from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Douglas Students Union (DSU) and the College’s Foundation and Alumni Relations, as well as matching donations from Douglas College and Douglas College International.
“This is an unprecedented situation, one that creates financial challenges for many of our students,” says Dr. Kathy Denton, President of Douglas College. “We are grateful for the support of the Ministry and the Douglas Students’ Union in helping us provide some financial relief to students.”
Domestic and international students enrolled in the Winter or Summer semesters who need immediate short-term financial relief should reach out to a Student Success Advisor at financialaid@douglascollege.ca to review their individual need.
“Students are facing uncertainty and increased financial difficulties as job losses continue,” says Mitchel Gamayo, Director of External Relations of the Douglas Students’ Union. “The Douglas Students’ Union’s gift of $100,000 towards emergency aid funding will support those who are impacted with unforeseen hardship. We hope this will help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress students are feeling in this uncertain time.”
Leanne Poon, Executive Director of the Douglas College Foundation, plans to build the fund to help even more Douglas students in need. “Our goal is to increase the fund to $1 million through donations from community partners, contractors, corporate donors and others who are looking for ways to support our students,” she says.
Initial allocations from the newly created fund are expected to be disbursed within two weeks through the Office of the Registrar.
Douglas College is the largest degree-granting college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to provide the most relevant and inspiring undergraduate experience in British Columbia.
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Contact
Regan Lal
Associate Director, Communications
lalr2@douglascollege.ca
778-968-7022