Changes to OSAP could reduce your student debt.
Should finances play a role in who goes to university and college or should it be purely based on merit? For many students in North America, their futures are decided by their economic status and not by what they can offer to the world of academia. For example, there are students who are destined to change the world as scientists, educators, and engineers but will never be able to formalize their education and thus lose sight of their best fit future. There are also those who would benefit from a liberal arts education, learning to argue, think critically, communicate clearly, and develop all of those transferable skills that can be implanted into any career. We, as a society, make education a mandatory step for many professions, yet put a heavy price tag on acquiring this training.
There are some countries (South American and European) that provide tuition-free post-secondary education to all students. These countries believe that funding and access to post-secondary education are the responsibility of the society not the individual. While Canada does not yet provide this type of access to post-secondary education, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) has taken great steps at allowing all Canadians and permanent residents the opportunity to get funding for their education in Ontario. What was once solely a loan program, OSAP is now providing students and families the opportunity to apply for "grant-only" funding. Students and their families can apply to see if they can be given money from the government that does not have to be paid back (as opposed to a loan). In addition, they do not penalize families that have saved responsibly for their children's future through RESPs. These investments do not count as your income when applying. Applying is simple and quick, and as long as your annual household income is below approximately $170,000 (2 adults, 2 children), then you are an eligible candidate.
I encourage everyone to apply, even if you don't think you'll get approved. Who knows, there could be grant money waiting there for you. Reduce your student debt, get a hold of your education and change the world. Need guidance on how to apply? Contact info@guidingyourfuture.com
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