FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
George Brown College commends Ontario government’s increased investment in colleges
Budget funding will help colleges better contribute to province’s economic growth
TORONTO (March 29, 2011) – Facing full capacity at a time of booming demand from students looking to enhance their career options and employers anxious to bridge the growing skills gap, George Brown College today commended the provincial government’s increased commitment to colleges.
Today’s budget includes $44 million for colleges over three years for literacy and basic skills, $20 million in instructional equipment for 2011-12, $64 million in 2011-12, rising to $309 million in 2013-14 for operating grants for an additional 60,000 postsecondary places by 2015-16 and an additional $22.5 million this year for the Summer Jobs Strategy, which targets youth in high-needs neighbourhoods.
College president Anne Sado said that these measures indicate the government clearly recognizes the critical role colleges play in the future economic health of the province.
“The government’s support is great news for employers and for the tens of thousands of students across the province who have struggled to access postsecondary education,” said Sado. “At George Brown College alone we are currently turning away thousands of qualified students each year because we simply don’t have the space for them. Only by expanding to enroll, educate and graduate greater numbers of students can we meet the very real skills gap that threatens to constrain the province’s economic future.”
George Brown College has experienced a remarkable increase in demand for its programs over the past decade, increasing its enrolment to the point where it is currently at full capacity.
Postsecondary institutions demonstrate and report on efficient operations with the use of multi-year accountability agreements, which provide transparency and accountability to the province. This practice will continue as outlined in the budget.
“I’m optimistic that the funding announced today will help us better serve the Ontario economy by increasing the number of highly skilled graduates that are able to enter the workforce,” said Sado. “Only in true collaboration with government and industry can an educational institution like George Brown College contribute to economic growth.”
About George Brown College
Toronto’s George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. From its two main campuses located across the downtown core, George Brown offers 148 full-time and 1,600 continuing education programs across a wide variety of professions to a student body of approximately 63,000 (including those enrolled in full-time, part-time and continuing education programs). Students can earn diplomas, post-graduate certificates, industry accreditations, apprenticeships and four-year bachelor degrees.
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For more information, please contact:
Paul ZanettosMedia Relations Consultant
George Brown College
Office: 416-415-5000 ext. 3428
Mobile: 416-893-5435
pzanetto@georgebrown.ca