Ontario Tech says province will provide $91.9 million to expand program capacity
Ontario Tech University says the Ontario government will provide $91.9 million to expand capacity in programs the university describes as aligned with regional and provincial labour-market needs. The university disclosed the funding in a June 11 news release.
For Durham Region residents, the announcement points to potential growth in Ontario Tech programs tied to fields such as health care, education and engineering. Ontario Tech did not provide a program-by-program breakdown of the $91.9 million or a timeline for any expansion.
Ontario Tech said the funding is part of the province’s recently announced post-secondary funding model, which it said will provide an additional $6.4 billion to universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes across Ontario.
The university said the broader provincial framework includes a $1.7-billion investment to increase enrolment in programs leading to in-demand careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), health care, education and other rapidly growing sectors.
In its release, Ontario Tech said it has seen increased demand in several areas it tied to provincial labour-market priorities. The university listed nuclear engineering, transportation infrastructure, nursing and health sciences, and education.
On nuclear engineering, Ontario Tech said it offers undergraduate and graduate programs and runs a Nuclear Career Accelerator for mid-career professionals.
For transportation infrastructure, the release cited Ontario Tech’s Railway Engineering Specialization, which the university said focuses on rail, transit and transportation systems.
Ontario Tech also said its nursing and health sciences programs involve clinical experience, and that its education programs address “evolving classrooms and digital learning environments.”
Ontario Tech President and Vice-Chancellor Steven Murphy said in the release that the investment “will help expand student opportunities while supporting continued growth in programs aligned with Ontario’s workforce priorities.”