Windsor-Essex's premier postsecondary institutions are receiving research funding to help students access an education.
St. Clair College and the University of Windsor have each been named among the recipients of grants from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT).
ONCAT awarded $2.04-million for 29 institutional grants for the period between April 1, 2024, and March 31 of this year. ONCAT is funded by the provincial government.
"ONCAT’s funding for institutional projects will reduce barriers and smooth transitions for learners," said ONCAT President and CEO Dr. Adrienne Galway. "We prioritize innovative initiatives with the potential to scale or be adopted across institutions, that help learners successfully navigate their academic journey and receive appropriate recognition for previous academic and work experience. Our mission is to ensure that learners complete their postsecondary credentials and transition successfully into the workforce."
St. Clair College is the lead institution for an ONCAT capacity grant aimed at enhancing program delivery and accessibility.
David Potocek with St. Clair College’s Research and Innovation Department, says the grant will help reduce barriers to credit transfers within the Community and Justice Services program.
"This project aims to help increase enrollment and retention rates and is also a fantastic opportunity for our faculty and students to contribute to curriculum innovation while shaping more accessible, modular program options," said Potocek.
U of W is partnering with York University for a similar project, with Queen's University being the lead institution. This one will explore pathways for engineering technology and engineering programs.
"By sharing capacity-building resources across the sector, the project will increase student access to in-demand labour market sectors across Ontario," read a release from ONCAT.
Complete information on all 29 projects can be found on ONCAT's official website.