Eighteen public post-secondary institutions, including College of the Rockies, are receiving a total of $6.9 million in one-time funding that will give them an opportunity to plan changes that would be needed if they decide to move to a tuition-based model.

The funding will allow public post-secondary institutions to continue to provide Adult Basic Education (ABE) to all students for 2015-16, the Ministry of Advanced Education announced today (Feb. 13).

Government announced in December 2014 that public post-secondary institutions have the option to charge tuition fees for Adult Upgrading programs beginning Jan. 1, 2015. Charging tuition will help ensure these post-secondary programs remain sustainable.

Low-income students will be eligible for up front, non-repayable grants.

These adult upgrading grants cover the cost of tuition, textbooks, supplies, childcare and transportation. In anticipation of greater demand, the grant budget is being increased 33% to $7.6 million annually.

Students in need will not be left behind. A more flexible approach means students who are 10% above the income threshold are now eligible for a grant to cover half their tuition costs.

Approximately 25,000 students accessed ABE programs at 18 public post-secondary institutions in 2013-14. Many of these learners face unique challenges accessing the labour market. Adult Upgrading in post-secondary education focuses on literacy, basic education and upgrading, and prepares learners for employment.

Adult Upgrading Grant

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