Post-secondary students and recent graduates are facing unique and unprecedented challenges because of COVID-19, with fewer employment opportunities and disruptions to planned co-op, internship or community service placements. At the same time, many not-for-profits are struggling to provide services to their communities through the pandemic.
Today, MP Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, highlighted the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG), which will provide a one-time payment between $1,000 and $5,000 to post-secondary students and recent graduates who participate in volunteer service with not-for-profit organizations. The CSSG will allow local students and recent graduates to gain valuable skills while making positive contributions to their communities.
Students enrolled in a post-secondary education program leading to a degree, diploma or certificate, or recent graduates who ended their studies no earlier than December 2019, can count volunteer service hours from June 25 to October 31, 2020 toward the CSSG. Participants must also be 30 years of age or younger, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, First Nations, Metis or Inuit, or have refugee status.
Local not-for-profit organizations can also advertise and post eligible volunteer opportunities on the new I Want to Help platform (Canada.ca/iwanttohelp), and students will be able to search and apply for volunteer opportunities on the platform.
Quotes
“Our local youth are engaged and play an important role in our communities. This is a perfect opportunity for them to get involved and to help address the increase in demand for services from charity and not-for-profit organizations in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury in light of COVID-19. I encourage all eligible organizations to post their available positions and for youth to get connected, make an impact, and receive the funding that will help them with their future studies.”
– Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt
“Young people are powerful leaders of change and during these difficult times we need them to help our communities. The Canada Student Service Grant is an innovative way to provide support, helping students gain valuable experience as they volunteer to serve and strengthen their communities. This will also ensure students are in a financial position to continue their studies or careers.”
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
Quick Facts
- To find not-for-profit organizations looking for help during the pandemic, students up to the age of 30 can use the new I Want to Help platform.
- The amount received will be based on the number of validated volunteer service hours completed by the participant between June 25 and October 31, 2020.
- Today’s announcement is part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which already commits more than $153 billion in support to Canadians and businesses through these unprecedented times.
Associated Links
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19
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Contact
Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant, MP Nickel Belt Marc G. Serré
705-897-2222
[email protected]