The Opticians Association of Canada and the Ontario Opticians Association are supporting students | Advancement and Alumni | Seneca Polytechnic

For the majority of Seneca students, paying for tuition, rent, groceries and other living expenses can be a pretty big burden — one that has only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on my studies, my employment and my general well-being,” explains Stephen Corradino, COVID-19 Relief Bursary recipient. “I live in a household where everyone must share their resources. We share the costs of our family's expenses and I felt I wasn't pulling my weight anymore because I wasn't able to work the same amount of hours. It was a strain on my family.”

A study of all Seneca students conducted in October 2020 found that 79 per cent of students are experiencing financial hardship and more than 25 per cent have experienced food insecurity.