COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC
Breaking down barriers to learning

In a significant move to support Canadian students, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is partnering with Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada to offer the One at a Time: Reducing Barriers to Work-Integrated Learning stipend program.

This initiative offers a one-time, lump sum payment of $1,000 to eligible students participating in unpaid work-integrated learning (WIL) courses during the 2024 Spring/Summer or Fall semesters. The program is designed to alleviate financial burdens, making education more accessible and enabling students to fully engage in their WIL experiences.

Ashley Nguyen, CNA's Director of WIL Connections, emphasized the numerous advantages of work-integrated learning.

"Students gain countless benefits from participating in quality WIL experiences," Nguyen said. "During WIL, students have the opportunity to apply concepts learned within their program in a real-world context, build their professional network, and develop important work readiness skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication."

She explained the practical experience gained through WIL is invaluable, providing students with a bridge between academic theory and professional practice. However, the unpaid nature of many of these opportunities can be a barrier, preventing some students from participating fully.

The One at a Time stipend aims to reduce this barrier.

"This program will allow students to get more out of their WIL experience by alleviating some of the barriers that many students experience," explained Nguyen. "It's our hope that by removing some of the financial burden and stress that comes with unpaid WIL, students can focus on getting the most out of their experience!"

The stipend can be used to cover various expenses, such as transportation, workplace attire, or childcare, offering students financial flexibility to manage their unique needs and circumstances.

Shirley Woodward, CNA's Vice-President, Academic and Applied Research (Interim), said programs like this provide crucial benefits for students and their employers.

"By providing financial support, we are making education more flexible and accessible for students. They are free to engage more deeply in their work placements and focus on their professional development," Woodward explained. "Employers are able to develop their own future workforce. They get early access to talented students who will be the future leaders in their field. The One at a Time program is a testament to CNA's dedication to reducing barriers to education and supporting students' professional growth, one step at a time."

Applications are currently open for the spring/summer semester and close August 9. Students who started their WIL placement on or after April 29, 2024, are still eligible to apply. For more information, including full eligibility requirements, visit College of the North Atlantic - Financing your Education (cna.nl.ca).