August 4, 2026
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Bruce County is providing bursary funding through the Ontario Ministry of Education’s 2026 Innovation Funding, to Georgian College and Fanshawe College to support the recruitment and retention of a high-quality early years workforce.
The county has subsidized a bursary supporting students pursuing a career as Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) through both colleges. This initiative helps meet the growing demand for child-care services across the communities by making education more accessible to future ECEs.
Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 per academic year, with the potential for renewal, provided students remain in good academic standing. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need, be in good academic standing and have a home address in Bruce County at the time of selection. Interested students should apply directly with Georgian College or Fanshawe College.
“Early Childhood Educators play an essential role in supporting children’s learning, development, and well-being, while helping families access the reliable child care they need,” says Ian Hanney, the county's director of human services. “This investment helps reduce financial barriers for local students and encourages more people to pursue a meaningful career that directly benefits children and communities across the county.”
“Georgian College is committed to helping build a community of skilled, reflective, and responsive Early Childhood Educators who meet the diverse needs of children and families," says Anne-Marie Hardie, ECE lead at Georgian College. "High-quality early childhood education plays a vital role in supporting children’s development, fostering strong foundations for life-long learning, and strengthening families and communities. The strong partnership and support our students receive from Bruce County not only reduces financial barriers to education but also helps foster a thriving community of dedicated Early Childhood Educators and supports a sustainable local workforce.”
“Fanshawe is grateful to the County of Bruce for its partnership and support of our Early Childhood Education students," says Mary Harrison, dean of Fanshawe's Faculty of Access, Arts, Language and Regional Campuses. "This investment will help transform students’ potential into community impact. Demand for Registered Early Childhood Educators continues to grow both in Bruce County and across Ontario, and Fanshawe is proud to help prepare the ECEs who will support children, families and communities for years to come.”
“Bruce County is proud to work alongside Georgian College, Fanshawe College, and community partners to support the next generation of ECEs,” says Hanney. “These partnerships are helping reduce barriers for students, address the local need for qualified educators, and strengthen access to high-quality child care for families across our communities.”
APPLY NOW
Applications are now open for the ECE diploma programs at Georgian College and Fanshawe College, both beginning in September.
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