Every morning, Kailey O’Toole drives an 80 kilometre round trip to and from her placement. As a first-year student in Loyalist’s Personal Support Worker program, she spends her days gaining hands-on experience helping others, then returns home to study and work her part time job. The cost of gas adds up quickly, but a new Rural Learning Initiative is making that journey easier.
The initiative, supported by up to $480,000 from CEWIL’s iHUB (Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Innovation Hub), is helping more than 300 Loyalist College students cover transportation and other placement-related costs. It’s designed to make experiential learning more accessible for students across eastern Ontario, especially for those studying or living in rural communities.
For many students, transportation can be a significant barrier to completing placements, particularly in rural communities where public transportation is limited. The Rural Learning Initiative, developed by Loyalist College and supported by CEWIL’s iHub program, addresses the unique needs of Loyalist students by providing practical solutions that enable them to focus on learning, rather than logistics.
“The funding has made it realistic for me to complete my placement,” Kailey explains. “I’m using it to help pay for gas. I work part-time to pay for school while living at home, so this really helps make everything fit together.”
For third-year Practical Nursing student Keri Masse, the support is making a big difference. Her placement at Belleville General Hospital means a commute of just over 200 kilometres round-trip.
“I really appreciate the funding,” says Keri. “It has made the commute easier knowing I have the money set aside to pay for gas and vehicle expenses. The smaller school environment was the reason I chose Loyalist, and programs like this show how much they care about students.”
Keri’s story is one of many that highlight how a small change can have a big impact. By removing financial barriers, the Rural Learning Initiative allows students to focus on what matters most: building their skills, completing their programs, and contributing to their communities.
The application process is simple. After completing a short online form, applicants are assessed using predefined criteria to ensure fair and equitable access. Depending on their placement type and travel distance, they may receive support such as bursaries, no-cost bus service, or funded ride sharing to placement sites across Northumberland, Hastings, Prince Edward, Lennox and Addington and Frontenac counties.
“I’d love to see more support like this,” Keri adds. “It was easy to apply for, and it made me feel seen as a student.”
By helping students access their placements, the Rural Learning Initiative enables Loyalist College to deliver on its promise of accessible, hands-on education. Beyond getting students from point A to point B, it’s about ensuring every learner has the chance to succeed.
Learn more about the Rural Learning Initiative, CEWIL’s iHub and experiential learning opportunities at Loyalist College.
