This year marks a significant milestone for the OTIP Bursary Program, which has provided financial support to students for 30 years and awarded more than $425,000 in financial aid. 

“What began as a modest fund has blossomed into a cherished educational support program for members and/or relatives of members insured through a plan or program offered by OTIP,” said Vic Medland, CEO of OTIP. “Supporting students in their pursuit of education is at the heart of our bursary program and has made a positive difference in the lives of many students - helping them achieve their goals, and ultimately contribute to the future of their communities.”

Through the bursary program, over 200 students have been provided with financial aid.

Recipients of the OTIP Bursary program span a wide range of academic fields, from science and technology to the arts and skilled trades, with each student’s story representing a journey toward achieving their academic goals: 

“I am entering my second year of the Developmental Services Worker program at Algonquin College. I hope to use the knowledge that I am gaining from this program to pursue a career supporting people with developmental disabilities. This bursary will pay for the bulk of my tuition for the fall semester, significantly helping me in completing my education and bringing my career closer to reality. Thank you very much for your support,” said B.G., a recent bursary recipient, highlighting how the support has directly impacted his ability to continue his studies and achieve his career goals. 

M.S., a year’s past bursary winner, expressed similar gratitude. “Being awarded this bursary is a great honor. It will help me purchase textbooks and clinical equipment, bringing me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a public health nurse.” 

Investing in the Future 

In celebration of the OTIP Bursary Program's 30th year and in recognition of the importance of education for all students, OTIP is proud to support Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures initiative. This new partnership will provide financial aid to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, extending the program’s reach to even more students and communities. 

By empowering students from diverse backgrounds to access the education they deserve, OTIP continues to invest in a brighter future for everyone. 

We are also proud to be able to extend our bursary program from twenty bursaries of $1,500 to thirty. Students who are either OTIP members or relatives of members and enrolled in full-time or part-time post-secondary studies at a college, university, or in a skilled trades or technology program are eligible to apply. 

Visit OTIP Bursary program to learn more.