A partnership between Ornge and Confederation College has resulted in the expansion of eligibility criteria for acquiring bursaries for students considering studying and working in Northern Ontario.
Up to 15 entrance grants each valued at $1,000 or more and up to 15 in-program bursaries of $1,500 each are now available for Northern Ontario residents and/or those identifying as First Nation, Métis or Inuit.
The college’s supported programs for the awards include primary care paramedic, advanced care paramedic, aviation flight management, aviation technician – aircraft maintenance, and nursing programs.
Wade Durham, chief operating officer at Ornge, said the air ambulance service recognizes the importance of supporting northern students in their careers, especially as Ornge expands its services to better support Northern Ontario.
“Ornge wants to invest in local students who can live, study, train and work in our region,” Durham said. “This bursary will help support the next generation of highly-skilled workers entering into Ontario’s air ambulance system.”
Aaron Skillen, vice-president of academics at Confederation College, said Ornge’s financial support will have a “transformative impact” on the students’ lives.
Since 2019, more than 65 students have benefitted from the Ornge Northern Air Ambulance Award.
Applications are open and students are encouraged to apply for any of the eligible programs before Feb. 1, 2025. Applications can be submitted online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.