Many Calgary students are still waiting for provincial funding to pay for schooling after a computer software glitch slowed the process.
Lynn Connell, director of learner services at Bow Valley College, said that 850 applied for the funding but many are still waiting to receive their money.
Around 200 students at Bow Valley have yet to receive their money, which is provided through the learner benefits at Alberta Works, according to Connell.
“They’re struggling with paying rent, utilities, with childcare costs, with grocery costs so it’s a pretty stressful time for the students right now,” she said, adding that the college has rallied to assist these students.
“We’ve had staff and former staff donate over $5,000, as well as non-perishable food items,” said Connell.
“Up to this point we’ve distributed over 3,000 transit tickets to our students and we just purchased another 1,000.”
Vice-president external at the college Mark Baladad said the student’s association is holding a rally on Monday to collect donations.
“We’ve donated a lot of tangible items such as food and toiletries,” he said.
Greg Michaud of SAIT said that 89 students out of 260 have been approved for funding.
