6 Ways You Can Get Free Money & Perks From Ontario To Improve Your Education

Catch Up Payments

How It Works: This program provides financial support to individuals to help cover the costs of their child's tutoring, supplies, or equipment for the 2022-2023 school year. Eligible applicants will receive a one-time payment of between $200 and $250.

Who Is Eligible:

• "Parent or guardian to a student from kindergarten to Grade 12
• Secondary school student who is 18 years of age
• Parent or guardian to a student from kindergarten up to age 21 with special education needs," a description on Ontario's website states.

Deadline To Apply: March 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.

Apply Here

Community Commitment Program for Nurses

How It Works: The Commitment Program for Nurses (CCPN) provides $25,000 in grant funding to eligible nurses, distributed in six instalments, in exchange for "a two-year commitment to an eligible employer," the Ontario government stated.

Who Is Eligible:

• "Not have been employed as a nurse in Ontario in the six months prior to being hired;
• Hold a Certificate of Registration in good standing from the College of Nurses of Ontario;
• Begin employment no later than March 31, 2024;
• Commit to two-years of employment at a full-time work schedule offered by the employer; and
• Not simultaneously receive funds from the Ministry of Health for the Tuition Support Program for Nurses," CCPN states.

Deadline To Apply: Individuals must begin employment before March 31, 2024.

Apply Here

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

How It Works: Those participating in the program will receive up to $4,200 to support them while they complete eight weeks of in-class learning.

Who Is Eligible: Individuals 15 years or older who have a minimum of 14 completed credits towards their OSSD, are enrolled at the secondary school as well as "a cooperative education placement in an apprenticeship trade."

Deadline To Apply: N/A

Apply Here

Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

How It Works: The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides free tuition for students studying "in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario."

Who Is Eligible:

• "Apply to at least one of the eligible programs
• Be an Ontario resident who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• Enrol in an eligible diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate, masters or post-graduate program in a priority community
• Commit to work in that region when you graduate," the program's description reads.

Deadline To Apply: N/A (applications are expected to open Spring 2023)

Apply Here

Dual Credit Program

How It Works: Dual credit programs allow students in high school to take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards a secondary school diploma, a degree and a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Who Is Eligible:

• Those who are "at risk of not graduating from high school
• Enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major
• Enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
• Returning to high school to get their diploma
• Interested in exploring career pathways, including apprenticeships
• Looking for help with the transition to college or an apprenticeship program," the program's description reads.

Deadline To Apply: N/A

Apply Here

Tomorrow's Trade Programs

How It Works: It's a 12-week program where people will "receive required personal protective equipment, Milwaukee tool kit and a daily transportation stipend." Tomorrow’s Trades participants receive $225 per week for training and transportation costs as they pursue their careers.

Who Is Eligible: Underrepresented or at-risk students, between the ages of 18-35, who are interested in a career in construction or a skilled trade.

Deadline To Apply: March 2023

Apply Here