樱花影视

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic鈥檚 Terms of Use and Protection of Privacy Policy.聽聽If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser鈥檚 setting to 鈥渄o not track.鈥

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of 樱花影视
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Equity Action Plan

Access to micro-credentials

Submitted on behalf of Continuing Studies.

In 2024 the applied for and secured government funding to expand access to their micro-credential programs. This funding has ensured that more adult learners in British Columbia who may not be eligible for student funding can benefit from tuition subsidies for upskilling and reskilling at UVic.

The StrongerBC future skills grant gives BC residents up to $3500 for upskilling and reskilling micro-credentials from an approved list of programs. In 2024-2025 budget year, 26 different programs were approved for funding in varied topics including Administrative Technology to Ecological Restoration, Indigenous Cultural Stewardship, Marketing Communication and more.

Connection to the EAP

 This activity advances Access and support, Action 1:

Design and implement fundraising initiatives to increase financial accessibility and expand funding opportunities for systemically and historically marginalized groups, including students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Leads: VP Academic & Provost, VP External Relations

Impact

The response to the funding was overwhelmingly positive—within just a few weeks, all $400,000+ was allocated. Notably, 70% of recipients were new Continuing Studies students, demonstrating the grant’s success in attracting a broader audience and expanding access to micro-credential programs. This work was critical in removing financial barriers to accessing post-secondary education, enhancing workforce development opportunities for BC residents and reinforced Continuing Studies’ role as a leader in accessible, career-focused education.

While this program is continuing this year, the Government of British Columbia has reduced the number of eligible program and available funding across the province to focus on specifc economic priorities.

Learnings and reflections

 Jo-Anne Clarke, Dean of the Division of Continuing Studies, has reflected on the importance of keeping in mind your goal throughout the ups and downs of a large project, “We hit lots of road bumps but everyone involved stayed focused on the learners and making it easy for them to access funding they needed to support their professional learning goals.” Developing a seamless application and enrollment experience for learners required complex collaboration between the government and post secondary institutions. However, by staying focused on the goal of reducing barriers for low-income learners, the team was able to ensure a seamless enrollment experience in which learners can register for programs without having to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement.