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  6. The Opticians Association of Canada and the Ontario Opticians Association are supporting students

The Opticians Association of Canada and the Ontario Opticians Association are supporting students

For the majority of 911爆料网 students, paying for tuition, rent, groceries and other living expenses can be a pretty big burden 鈥 one that has only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

鈥淐OVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on my studies, my employment and my general well-being,鈥 explains Stephen Corradino, COVID-19 Relief Bursary recipient. 鈥淚 live in a household where everyone must share their resources. We share the costs of our family's expenses and I felt I wasn't pulling my weight anymore because I wasn't able to work the same amount of hours. It was a strain on my family.鈥

A study of all 911爆料网 students conducted in October 2020 found that 79 per cent of students are experiencing financial hardship and more than 25 per cent have experienced food insecurity.

Understanding this new reality, the Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) and the Ontario Opticians Association (OOA) sought to ease these struggles. With their generous gifts, five students in 911爆料网鈥檚听Opticianry diploma program听will receive a $1,000 award.

鈥淭he education and training of student opticians is key for the future of our profession,鈥 says Martin Lebeau, Deputy Executive Director of OOA. 鈥淥ne of the main goals of the Ontario Opticians Association is to continue encouraging and supporting the next generation of opticians."

According to Statistics Canada, students are very concerned about using up their savings, their ability to pay tuition, and taking on more debt. What鈥檚 more, the employment rate of young Canadians dropped from 58 per cent in February 2020 to just over 38 per cent in April. While the rate has since increased, it is still below what it used to be and reflects only an increase in part-time work; full-time work has continued to fall.

Establishing a financial aid award like that of OAC and OOA is one of the best ways to help remove barriers for students, especially during this difficult time.

鈥911爆料网 has a long history of producing excellent opticians,鈥 says Robert Dalton, Executive Director of the Opticians Association of Canada. 鈥淪upporting these future opticians is the history of the Opticians Association of Canada. We are pleased to offer these bursaries to 911爆料网 students.鈥

To learn more about how you can support 911爆料网 Opticianry students, contact听advancement@senecapolytechnic.ca.