Students demand protection for OSAP ASAP

 

Windsor students are preparing for the cuts in the Ontario Students Assistance Program.

The 10 per cent cut in post-secondary tuition fees has upset many students and has some worrying about their future.

OSAP is focusing on students whose families have an income of less than $50,000. The cut in funds will have an impact on students across Ontario, leaving them in fear of their on-going debt.

Nicole Duplessis is a 23-year-old St. Clair College student, who works four hour shifts at the college greenhouse every weekend.

When she heard that OSAP was eliminating free tuition she was devastated. Duplessis said her landscaping and horticulture program requires her to purchase different equipment, such as winter gear, gloves and work boots. Without OSAP she will be forced to come up with the money another way.

“Less funding will have me pulling and searching for loans elsewhere,” said Duplessis.

After graduation many people will struggle to find jobs and this news made her fear for the worst.

“Looking for and finding work is already a huge reality check when you graduate with your diploma,” said Duplessis. “Adding more debt to pay is an even more harsh reality for the student.”

Duplessis is concerned for herself and others who heavily rely on receiving tuition assistance.

“We are all in the same boat, so receiving less of a loan than usual will be devastating,” said Duplessis.

Raquel Raymundo, 30, an employability skills developer at the YMCA, is currently completing her post graduate studies in human resources. She is concerned she may now be falling into more debt.

She also worries about other students who are now in her position.

“I feel that students will not be able to complete their studies,” said Raymundo.

Raymundo is working on ways to gather up money for her next semester but so far, has not seemed to have had a lot of luck.

“I will need to take a semester off school to save up for the following semester” said Raymundo.

Raymundo believes the cuts will cause a decrease in the numbers of students applying to college and university due to the short amount of time to pay back the money they have borrowed.

“OSAP interest rates are high,” said Raymundo.

Understanding when and how OSAP is repaid can also be confusing and frustrating. For more information regarding the OSAP changes visit www.ontario.ca/osap.