Thirty students have already received financial assistance through Lac La Biche County’s new Reduced Tuition Initiative Award, with approximately ,000 distributed to help local residents pursue post-secondary education at Portage College.

The County and Portage College celebrated the first recipients during a special luncheon hosted by County Council on October 27. Five of the award recipients attended the event, joining representatives from both organizations.

The initiative provides eligible students with up to 50 percent off their tuition costs, to a maximum of $2,500.

$900,000 committed over three years

The tuition initiative is part of a three-year partnership between Lac La Biche County and Portage College, with the County committing $300,000 annually for a total of $900,000.

The tuition initiative is part of a three-year partnership between Lac La Biche County and Portage College, with the County committing $300,000 annually for a total of $900,000.

To qualify, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have lived in Lac La Biche County for at least 24 months or graduated from a high school within the County.

Funding is awarded on a first-eligible, first-awarded basis until the available money has been distributed.

Mayor Paul Reutov said the initiative demonstrates Council’s commitment to investing in education and supporting residents as they work toward their future goals.

“This shows the importance that Council places on our education, our youth and whoever can benefit from improving their education to not only better themselves, but also the entire community,” said Reutov.

“Council’s support for post-secondary education shows our commitment to growing our community and building the Lac La Biche County Advantage.”

Students share what the funding means to them

For some recipients, the award is helping make it possible to balance school, work and family responsibilities.

Savannah Girard, a mother of two who works full-time while pursuing her Bachelor of Education at Portage College, said the financial assistance has made a meaningful difference.

“I truly appreciate this award because as a mother to two young boys and deciding to work full-time and going back to school to make a better life for them, having the support this award gives, especially during my third year of Bachelor of Education practicum, is a big weight off my shoulders.”

Girard also thanked Lac La Biche County for its support.

Professional Cooking Certificate student Paisley Campbell said the award has helped reduce the cost of her education while allowing her to remain close to home.

“The financial support has helped reduce the cost of my education and made it possible for me to remain close to home while working towards my career goals,” Campbell said.

“Being part of community that actively helps students in achieving their educational goals has given me a renewed interest in building my future here, and remaining part of the region after graduation.”

Portage College Vice-President of Student and College Services Bev Mograbi also thanked the County for bringing the initiative forward.

“That ‘stay local and study local’ really does resonate,” said Mograbi.

Applications remain open

The Reduced Tuition Initiative Award is part of Lac La Biche County’s broader education priorities, aimed at reducing financial barriers and helping residents pursue training and career opportunities without leaving the region.

Applications are still being accepted.

Residents can find eligibility requirements, participating programs and application information through the Portage College scholarships and awards webpage.