There are various public and private agencies willing to sponsor students in full-time or part-time studies. These funding agencies can cover costs such as: tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment and even living allowances. Here are some examples of funding agencies:
ALL: The Aboriginal Learning Links is a "one-stop shopping" website for Aboriginal students in BC to assist in locating funding sources for tuition, living allowance, transportation, childcare, housing, trades and career/education planning.
ACCESS: The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society delivers a unique and diverse assortment of education, training, counseling, support and financial services designed to help members of the urban Aboriginal community overcome barriers that may stand in the way of success and self-sufficiency. We develop partnerships with organizations and companies that match their needs to the needs of our Aboriginal clients creating a win, win situation for both partners.
ASETS: There are currently 15 Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy agreement holders in BC, each with a mandate to provide services to a designated region, and to help Aboriginal people prepare for, find and keep high demand jobs now and in the long term. All Aboriginal people, regardless of status, affiliation or location, may access ASET programs and services. These include job-finding skills and training, programs for youth, access to child care, and programs for urban Aboriginal people and those with disabilities. ASET agreement holders design and deliver employment programs and services best suited to the unique needs of their clients.
Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program: The Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program is a voluntary program that helps Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit recipients return to work. If you are receiving a CPP disability benefit, you may be eligible for vocational counseling, financial support for training, and job-search services. While you participate in the program, you continue to receive your regular CPP disability benefit, including while you search for a job.
First Nations Job Fund: In partnership with First Nations communities, the Government is increasing the availability of training and employment services through a new First Nations Job Fund. Totaling $109 million over four years, the Job Fund supports a wide range of activities that lead directly to jobs including: skills assessments; personalized training; coaching; and other supports for young Income Assistance recipients on-reserve. Income Assistance benefits depend on participation in training according to current practices in the province of residence.
Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities: Provinces and territories are responsible for the design and delivery of employment programming within the following five areas: education and training; employment participation; employment opportunities; connecting employers and persons with disabilities; and building knowledge. A wide range of activities may be supported, including: employment counseling; career planning; pre-employment preparation; post-secondary education; skills training; wage subsidies; self-employment assistance; technical aids and other supports; and assistance in accessing job opportunities.
Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP): The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) allows individuals to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to finance training or education for themselves or their spouse or common-law partner.
National Research Council Co-op Program: The NRC Co-op Program provides practical career-related experience work terms to promising students in science, engineering, and technology. Work terms are also offered in the business, public relations, communications, library sciences, marketing and administration fields.
Post-Secondary Student Support Program: The Post-Secondary Student Support Program provides financial assistance to First Nation and Inuit students who are pursuing post-secondary education.Financial assistance includes funds for tuition fees and travel and living expenses.
Registered Educations Savings Plans: Save for a child’s post-secondary education. A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is an account registered with the Government of Canada to help you save for a child’s post-secondary education.
Skills Development: An employment program providing financial assistance to eligible individuals to help them obtain the skills training they need to re-enter the labour market and secure employment. These individuals will arrange and pay for their own training, with the financial assistance provided by Skills Development.