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Government Grants

All appointments for the fall 2010 Skills Investment Grant Funding Program have been filled.  Contact the Student Funding & Awards at 403.314.2472 or Room 1101 for possible part time fall funding or for full-time skills investment funding for January 2011.

The Skills Investment Program is a Government Grant Program administered by Alberta Works. This program allows learners to study full-time in ESL, upgrading and 1 year certificate programs. There are 2 different government grants learners may be eligible for: Non-Employment Insurance and Employment Insurance. The grant may cover your tuition, fees, books and provide a monthly living allowance if you are eligible. 

To find out if you may be eligible for either of these grants please read the general screening information below or contact the Skills Investment Program Assistant at 403.314.2472.    

Non-Employment Insurance Grant

This grant provides financial support for adult residents of Alberta who are unemployed or marginally employed, have financial need and require skill training to find sustainable full-time employment. You must be ready, willing and able to attend school full-time. 

Going to school is a BIG committment. You only have one opportunity to attend school on a government grant. You must treat school with the same level of effort and time commitment as a full-time job. Before applying you should:

  • Have resolved family, personal, medical and financial problems that could interfere with school
  • Have researched your career goal
  • Have found an achievable employment goal

Am I Eligible?

You must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be 18 years old or 16 years old and legally married or a single parent
  • You must have lived in Alberta for the past 3 months and/or are presently collecting Income Support
  • You must be a Canadian citizen, a Permanent Resident or a Landed Immigrant
  • You must be out of regular school (high school, junior high, or outreach) for a twelve month period 
  • You must not have post-secondary education (certificate, diploma, or journeyman's ticket)
  • You must be working less then 20 hours per week or are unemployed

There are exceptions to the criteria and each individual's situation is considered. If you have any questions about the criteria please contact the Skills Investment Program Assistant at 403.314.2472. 

Employment Insurance Grant

This grant provides financial support for individuals who are Employment Insurance eligible, are unemployed or marginally employed, have financial need and require skill training to find sustainable full-time employment. You must be ready, willing and able to attend school full-time. 

Going to school is a BIG committment. You only have one opportunity to attend school on a government grant. You must treat school with the same level of effort and time commitment as a full-time job. Before applying you should:

  • Have resolved family, personal, medical and financial problems that could interfere with school
  • Have researched your career goal
  • Have found an achievable employment goal

Am I Eligible?

  • You have an established EI claim or have received EI benefits in the last 3 years or EI maternity benefits in the last 5 years
  • You must require less then 1 year of upgrading and plan to take a 1 year certificate program
  • You must have an Alberta address
  • You must want to work but lack the skills to find sustainable full-time employment

There are exceptions to the criteria and each individual's situation is considered. If you have any questions about the criteria please contact the Skills Investment Advisor at 403.314.2472.