STUDENT FUNDING
On this page you will find various student funding options available currently through the TCSA. Instructions on how to apply for each funding option can be found below. All funding applications are reviewed confidentially on a case-by-case basis.
KEEP IT BRIGHT LIGHT THERAPY SUBSIDY
This form allows Trent University students to request reimbursement for the purchase of a light therapy lamp for an amount up to $60 to assist with the prevalence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the winter months. This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus.
This application will be open starting the Fall Reading Week and will close after Winter Reading Week.
Some important considerations: make sure to purchase a light therapy lamp that does not utilize UV (ultraviolet) light. The lamp should be able to generate 10,000 lux of cool-white fluorescent light.
If you have any questions about this subsidy, please email president@trentcentral.ca.
Funding Closed: Reopens Fall 2024 Reading Week
GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE GRANT
This bursary was created to give trans and gender non-conforming Trent students access to the funds they need to purchase gender-affirming items or services. This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus. Items include (but are not limited to) binders, packers, hair removal services, name and legal document changes. Maximum assistance is $250 a semester.
If you are requesting funding for medical procedures or services please apply through our Health and Dental Financial Assistance application down below.
If you have further questions about this program please contact president@trentcentral.ca.
G1 Test and DRIVER’S EDUCATION BURSARY
This funding line is currently closed and will re-open in September 2024.
G1 Test: In order to assist our students in obtaining their G1 licence the TCSA is offering an 80% reimbursement for the cost of your G1 Test and booking package ($159.75). Applicants have 3 months to submit their G1 Test reimbursement for consideration.
Drivers Education: In recognizing how a lack of driving experience can have a negative impact on the high cost of car insurance premiums, the TCSA, working with AAA Best Driving School in Peterborough, have created an opportunity for students without driving experience in Canada to receive driver’s education at a reduced cost. This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus.
We have limited spots to assist students so please apply as soon as possible. Questions? Please email Zoe Litow-Daye (She/They), services@trentcentral.ca.
STUDENT emergency relief fund
The Association recognizes the unpredictable hardship and challenges students face while attending university. We have created this fund to assist students facing unexpected costs accrued through unforeseen challenges and emergencies. Please note that this funding can not be put towards tuition, textbooks and access codes, or other direct education costs.
One application may be submitted per academic year. This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus.
All applications are received by the President, who will present your application to the Finance and Operations Committee for approval. If you have any questions about your application or the application process, email president@trentcentral.ca.
Emergency Grocery Assistance
Funds for the Emergency Grocery Assistance funding have been reallocated to both the TCSA Once Stop Chop food pantry located in our office and open to all TCSA members, as well as the Student Emergency Financial Assistance funding line, which can be accessed below.
Health & Dental Financial Relief Fund
The TCSA offers funding for expenses plan members may incur that are not covered by the benefits plan or that exceed the plan limits. All expenses under the health and dental umbrella will be considered, including counselling, dental emergencies, eye wear, weighted blankets etc. Assistance can be requested prior to incurring the cost, or retroactively after expenses have been incurred.
All applications are received by the Benefits Administrator and then presented anonymously for approval to the TCSA Finance and Operations Committee. Details to be included in this application include physician referrals or prescriptions, cost estimates or invoices, insurance coverage estimates, and a declaration of financial need.
Questions or concerns can be addressed to Tracy Milne (She/They), General Manager, operations@trentcentral.ca.
GARDASIL REIMBURSEMENT
The TCSA is pleased to provide a 50% reimbursement on Gardasil vaccines received from the Trent Wellness Centre. The Gardasil vaccine is administered in three shots, 3 months apart. The cost of each shot is $175.00. The TCSA will reimburse $87.50 per shot. Questions or concerns can be addressed to Zoe Litow-Daye (She/They), Services Manager, services@trentcentral.ca.
TCSA Student and Community Support Grants
The TCSA, as laid out in our Operating Resolutions, has two funds dedicated to help fulfill our mission and mandate. The TCSA seeks to increase the vitality on campus, to encourage academic and personal growth as well as continuing the struggle for accessible and high-quality education.
Funding requests will be considered at the TCSA’s Finance & Operations Committee, after which the applicant will be informed of the Committee’s decision.
The two funds are:
Academic, Personal, Professional and Leadership Development Fund (A.P.P.L.E. Fund)
Students have opportunities to participate in events and activities that will expand their experiences, skills, leadership and academic potential. Through this fund the Association is committed to assisting students with personal, professional and leadership opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and certifications.
This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus.
Limitations: Awards will not be granted for the costs of degree or diploma related courses or course requirements. Travel costs are not eligible for reimbursement. Individuals will be limited to one application each semester. Applications will not be accepted 30 days after the expense in question.
Partnership, Sponsorship, and Events Fund (P.S.E. Fund)
The Association, through its mandate to increase the vitality of student life and the diversity of activities available to students through the financial support of student events, maintains this fund to assist members with the execution of a broad range of dynamic events and projects through partnership and sponsorship.
Eligibility: Applications to this fund will be accepted from individuals, groups or organizations either wishing to partner with the Association on events or projects, or looking for sponsorship to fund existing events and projects. Events and projects will be broadly interpreted to include those for entertainment, socializing and community building as well as academic, political, education or social justice goals.
Limitations: Student groups and established organizations shall be limited to one application every four (4) months.
Please note: if you do not pick up your approved funding within six months and the cheque becomes staledated, we will not rewrite your cheque.
Funding Closed: Reopens September 2024
Accessibility/technology fund
The Association recognizes the need for students to access technology that supports their accessibility needs. Through the Association’s mandate to make post-secondary education more accessible and address systemic barriers in accessing education, this fund is available to assist students with purchasing accessories, software, and other devices recommended by Student Accessibility Services to help with any accessibility needs to attend school.
This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all full-time and part-time undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus.
All applications are received by the President, who will present your application to the Finance and Operations Committee for approval. If you have any questions about your application or the application process, email president@trentcentral.ca.
Student Placement and Curricular Experience Bursary (S.P.A.C.E. BURSARY)
Shoot for the stars with student experiences!
The Association recognizes the additional costs students incur while completing a required program placement or an experiential learning opportunity. We have created this fund to assist students who are in financial need and are facing the barrier of the additional costs associated with their placement or experiential learning opportunity. Costs can include, but are not limited to, travel, background checks, and equipment. Please note that this funding can not be put towards tuition, textbooks, and access codes.
One application may be submitted per semester. This fund is only available to the members of the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), which includes all full-time and part-time undergraduate students at the Peterborough Campus.
All applications are received by the President, who will present your application to the Finance and Operations Committee for approval. If you have any questions about your application or the application process, email president@trentcentral.ca.