LAC LA BICHE – Going to college close to home just got a little more affordable for Lac La Biche County residents.

Applications are now open for the Lac La Biche County Reduced Tuition Initiative Award, a three-year partnership with Portage College that will cover up to 50 percent of tuition costs, to a maximum of $2,500, for eligible students.

To qualify, applicants must have lived in Lac La Biche County for at least two years or have graduated from a high school within the County. Applicants must also be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Awards will be handed out on a first-eligible, first-awarded basis.

$300,000 available each year

Lac La Biche County is making $300,000 available annually for three years, putting as much as $900,000 behind the tuition initiative.

Any money that isn’t used in a given year will be returned to the County and contributed to an Education Endowment Fund.

The initiative is part of the County’s Education priority, which is focused on improving access to education and training while creating more opportunities for residents to build careers without having to leave the community.

Portage College President Dr. Stephen Price said the cost and uncertainty of moving away can be a significant barrier for people considering post-secondary education.

“The experience of a college or university-level education offers students a range of dynamic opportunities,” Price said. “For many, however, the expenses, stresses and uncertainty of leaving home or moving away from family and community can be daunting.”

Price said the partnership was designed to help reduce those barriers.

“This agreement will open up opportunities to community members who perhaps otherwise wouldn’t have thought it was possible.”

Who can apply?

The tuition reduction is available for select programming at Portage College, including post-secondary, university transfer, trades and other eligible training programs. Program availability may change from one academic year to the next.

Applicants must meet the residency or local high school graduation requirement along with the other eligibility criteria established for the award.

The County says investing in local education is also intended to help develop the skilled workforce the region will need in the future by giving more residents an opportunity to train, work and establish their careers close to home.

Applications are now being accepted, with full eligibility requirements and application information available through Portage College and Lac La Biche County.