VICTORIA, BC - The Alliance of BC Students (ABCS) is celebrating a massive victory for students as the province of British Columbia joins the rest of Canada in offering up-front, needs-based grants to post-secondary learners.

“We were thrilled to hear that the government has taken our advocacy into consideration and concluded that needs-based grants are the way forward for students in BC,” said Gurvir Gill, the Chairperson of the ABCS. “Our organization has advocated for this to become a reality for nearly 7 years. It was the basis for students to join together and form the ABCS in 2013. All of our hard work has paid off today.”

The investment of $24 million over 3 years will provide up to $4,000 in funding to over 40,000 eligible students per year. There is particular focus on programs of 2 years or less in length as an attempt to address skilled labour shortages in the province.

"The ability to access needs-based grants removes a massive barrier to prospective students," said Grace Dupasquier, Director of Research and Campaigns for the ABCS. “Giving students access to non-repayable options is the best way to increase equitable access to education. These grants are essential to ensuring many students can access post-secondary education in the first place, complete their programs, and graduate in better financial shape than they are currently."

In 2004, needs-based grants were cut from the financial aid options provided by the provincial government. In 2013, the Alliance was formed and launched a provincial campaign entitled “Where’s The Funding?” which called on the province to reinstate needs-based grants and provide more core-funding to institutions.