The COVID-19 crisis has created many health, social and economic challenges. Just as you’re concerned about your ability to save for your education and secure future employment, not-for-profits face disruptions to the essential community services they provide.

In response, the Government of Canada has created the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG), a program that will provide  qualified post-secondary students with safe, inclusive and accessible learning and volunteer opportunities to address relevant COVID-19 challenges at Canadian not-for-profits this summer. Participating students will also be eligible to apply for the CSSG—from $1,000–$5,000 to be used towards post-secondary education and expenses.

How the CSSG benefits you:

Working with KNSC and your fellow students (we are recruiting up to 100 volunteers for our club) in our community, you can put your interests and abilities to work for a not-for-profit cause this summer.

You can give back in an intentional way, plus enjoy these benefits:
• Free access to courses, training and skill development with LinkedIn Learning.
• Valuable on-the-job training and work experience.
• Eligibility to apply for the CSSG.

We need your help to support our community, so apply today!

About the CSSG:

The CSSG will be paid in a lump-sum amount based on the number of validated volunteer hours you’ve completed between June 15 and September 15, 2020. There are five award levels:

• 100 hours for $1,000.
• 200 hours for $2,000.
• 300 hours for $3,000.
• 400 hours for $4,000.
• 500 hours for $5,000.

The CSSG for post-secondary education is in addition to the Canada Emergency Student Benefit ($1,250 monthly), so volunteers receiving the CESB are also eligible to apply for the CSSG. (However, if you are receiving or have applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) ($2,000 monthly), you are NOT eligible). Please review the complete CSSG eligibility requirements.

CSSG eligibility

1. To be considered an eligible student, a person must:

• be enrolled and attending post-secondary education (PSE) during spring/summer 2020 and/or September 2020; or
• have graduated from PSE no earlier than December 2019; and
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, registered Indian or have refugee status.

2. Residence:

• International students are not eligible.
• Canadian students who study abroad but are currently residing in Canada, and do their volunteer hours in Canada, are eligible.

3. No age restrictions:

• All students, regardless of age, who meet the eligibility criteria will receive the CSSG .

4. Post-secondary education includes:

• Part-time or full-time study over a period of at least 12 weeks which must be in pursuit of a degree, diploma or certificate at an accredited institution. Accredited institutions are universities, colleges and Indigenous learning institutions accredited by the province or territory in which they are located.

CSSG eligibility of students receiving other income benefits:

1. The following students are eligible:

• those receiving the Canada Emergency Student Benefit ($1,250 monthly);
• those who are employed; and 
• those receiving a stipend under the Canada Service Corps (CSC) micro-grant stream.

2. The following students are ineligible:

• Students who are receiving, or who have received at any time, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) ($2,000 monthly), are not eligible to receive the CSSG. Students will be required to attest that they have at no time been in receipt of the CERB.