Funding for innovation & improved access to programming
NEWS RELEASE FROM JEFF LEAL, MPP PETERBOROUGH & MINISTER OF RURAL AFFAIRS:
Peterborough – Our government is committed to working with Ontario’s postsecondary education sector to support innovation and build the high-quality, sustainable system needed to prepare the highly skilled workforce of the future.
We are pleased to launch the Productivity and Innovation Fund, a key component of the government’s postsecondary education transformation agenda.
Through the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities and the Productivity and Innovation Fund, Trent University will receive $983,600 and Fleming College $808,781 in total funding.
The Productivity and Innovation Fund was created in support of the transformation of the postsecondary education sector in Ontario. The fund also aligns with the Putting Students First plan and the 2013 Ontario Budget, confirming our government’s commitment to work with the postsecondary sector to enhance innovation to improve productivity while supporting quality education for students over the short and longer terms.
QUOTES
“Innovation and accessibility are two themes we strive to weave into all we do at Fleming College. This funding will allow us to expand our capacity on both these fronts,” said Tony Tilly, President, Fleming College. “Continuing advances in technology create the opportunity to ensure that students have greater access to the program of their choice. Having the vision and support from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to achieve this is encouraging and welcome.”
“The Provincial Government is committed to working with Ontario’s postsecondary facilities to ensure every student has the best learning outcomes possible. This funding will promote and develop collaborations between our universities and colleges, improve the student’s quality of learning and affordability.” said The Hon. Jeff Leal
“I’m pleased that Trent was granted this funding and am very grateful to the ongoing support of the provincial government in ensuring the best possible education for Trent University students,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Trent is a leader in developing synergies with our partner institutions to effectively and efficiently offer pathways between institutions and manage operations. This support will allow us to explore additional innovation to enhance the student educational experience.”
FUNDING BREAKDOWN
Total of $808,781
– $371,000 for Building Capacity for Hybrid and Remote Program delivery in partnership with Confederation and Northern colleges;
– $182,781 for IT Disaster Recovery Environmental Scan and Collaborative Tools Development (Trent University is the lead on this project);
– $255,000 for Developing College-Wide Capability for Integrated Program Planning.