St. Lawrence College to continue participating in the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant

St. Lawrence College (SLC) is pleased to announce its continued participation in the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant for the 2026-27 academic year, a program that is addressing critical healthcare worker shortages in Eastern Ontario communities. 
 
Since the program started in fall 2023, SLC has welcomed just over 1,200 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Practical Nursing students, who have benefited from the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, and last summer, 161 Practical Nursing students from the first funded cohort graduated. 
 
"We are grateful for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which helps both our students and our communities," said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO at St. Lawrence College. "By removing financial barriers to education, students can more readily pursue rewarding careers in healthcare while also addressing the urgent need for skilled professionals in Eastern Ontario." 
 
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books, and other direct educational costs for eligible students who enroll in high-priority healthcare programs in designated communities. In return, graduates commit to working in underserved areas after completing their studies. 
 
Province-wide, the program has made a substantial impact. In the 2024-25 academic year alone, nearly 7,400 students received support through the grant. More than 300 grant recipients in practical nursing and paramedicine have now entered or completed their service commitment period, beginning their careers in communities that need them most. 
 
“Through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, our government is ensuring that everyone across Ontario has access to high-quality health care, close to home,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “We are proud to support the bright recipients of this grant at St. Lawrence College, ensuring financial barriers do not keep passionate, dedicated students from pursuing a world-class education, while also bringing highly skilled health care workers to communities that need them most.”  
 
Learn more about the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant. For SLC program information, click here.  

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