Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his federal government launched a new program today, aimed at encouraging students to volunteer in the fight against COVID-19.
The news comes more than two months after the the Prime Minister originally announced the creation of Canada Student Service Grant, and just in time for those who have not been able to find a summer job.
Eligible post-secondary students could potentially earn up to $5,000 this summer through the new volunteer service grant.
The grant is available for a range of volunteer work, including mask making, tutoring, researching animal behaviour and designing exercise programs for seniors.
“Students are facing unique challenges this summer due to the pandemic. At the same time, many are wondering how they can help in the fight against COVID-19,” the Prime Minister said during his daily address on Thursday.
“Today, we’re launching the new Canada Student Service Grant, which will allow post-secondary students and recent grads to gain valuable experience while also contributing to their communities.”
The grant will offer between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the number of hours completed.
For every 100 hours worked, a student is eligible for $1,000, which means students must volunteer 500 hours to receive the grant in its entirety.
The program opens today and will run until October 31, 2020. Only students and recent graduates 30 years old and younger will be able to enrol.
Applicants must be enrolled part-time or full-time in a recognized post-secondary education program in the spring, summer or fall of 2020, or must have completed post-secondary studies in December 2019 or later to qualify.
Interested volunteers have to register by August 21 at the latest, and can do so online.
Completed applications for the grant have to be submitted no later than November 6, 2020.
Participants are only able to count hours volunteered between June 25 and October 31 of this year.
The grant program is a part of a $9 billion investment by the federal government to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic on students amid COVID-19.
