New funding agreement announced for community schools

New funding agreement will help bring learning opportunities  to Islanders who might not otherwise be able to access them.

The provincial government will provide the Prince Edward Island Association of Community Schools more than $125,000 over the next three years to better meet the needs of Islanders. More than 2,500 students take the association’s courses each fall and winter at 30 locations across the province, mainly in the Island’s rural communities.

“The association’s 50 years of operation and strong community presence make community schools a secure and valued funding recipient,” Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Richard Brown said. “We appreciate the volunteers and all those who recognize that lifelong learning helps us maintain the skilled and educated workforce that is key to Prince Edward Island’s future success and prosperity.”

Community schools rely on dedicated volunteers to keep the cost of classes affordable, which means they can serve many people who may not be able to leave their community for enrichment courses. Many programs also offer exercise and social activity to seniors.

“We are thrilled with this announcement,” PEI Association of Community Schools President Barb MacFarlane said. “This three-year funding agreement will benefit all our community schools on PEI.”

Media contact:

Anne Macrae

Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning

902-393-4025

amacrae@gov.pe.ca