Local college, universities receive $13.8M funding boost

The local college and universities will receive some extra funding from the province.

$13.8 million will be split between Conestoga College, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University to help modernize learning systems and facilities at the schools.

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris said, “Making these investments now will ensure that not only current students will benefit from necessary upgrades, but future students, my own kids included, will benefit as well.”

Conestoga College will receive $4.5 million that will support expansion at its Reuter Driver skilled trades campus in Cambridge.

This will also be used to improve energy efficiency at the school and equipment and learning spaces for health care education.

University of Waterloo will receive $6.4 million towards blended and remote learning for micro-credentials in data science; artificial intelligence; and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.

It will also help students working in teams, partnerships with international schools, and allow co-op students away on work terms to take courses.

“This investment will help to enhance the student experience by providing flexible learning options while offering faculty enhanced access to digital tools for teaching and learning activity,” said James Rush, vice-president academic and provost of the University of Waterloo.

Wilfrid Laurier University will receive $2.9 million, which will be used for maintenance and repairs. 

Jason Coolman, vice-president of Advancement and External Relations at Wilfrid Laurier University said, “With this financial support, we will be undertaking maintenance and repairs to our Science and Arts buildings in Waterloo and making critical upgrades to One Market in Brantford.”