On Friday, Aug. 18, the Okanagan College Students’ Union (OCSU) was invited to a funding announcement made by newly appointed Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Melanie Mark.
The announcement was a welcome one, states a news release from the student union, promising a donation of $196,000 for 48 new trade seats in heavy-duty mechanics, sheet metal and plumbing.
Following the announcement, the OCSU representatives were able to sit down and meet with the minister about what challenges Okanagan College students are facing today.
The OCSU brought forward the hardships students face with student loans and wait times as well as the ever-increasing costs of textbooks, some costing the students as much as their course they are enrolled in, in addition to high costs of living in the Okanagan.
Mark was very receptive, stated the news release, and made it clear she is committed to making post-secondary education accessible for all and that the affordable housing crisis is a top priority.
A spokesperson for the OCSU noted that Mark and the new government were commended for the changes that have recently been made, such as the reduction of interest rates on student loans and the reinstatement of funding to Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs.