When Everest College abruptly shut its 14 Ontario campuses last week, Dana Costard was seven months into a 10-month program.
Now facing the very real possibility that she may not be able to complete her diploma – and may not get anything for the $15,000 she spent on the program – Costard says she feels “disappointed” and “discouraged” by the situation.
“I’m 32, and this is it for me,” she said.
“If I’m not able to go to class, I don’t know where I go.”
Costard spoke with CTV News on Tuesday, at a protest outside Everest’s downtown Kitchener campus.
Dozens of students – most of them dealing with similar levels of uncertainty – took part in the protest, calling for action to help them continue their education.
“It’d be a real shame for everyone not to gain the knowledge of our teachers,” said student Miriam Gold.
Specifically, Gold said she wanted to see the province lift its suspension of Everest’s licence.
Provincial officials had said the licence was suspended due to concerns Everest’s operators could no longer be financially responsible.
Tuesday, a Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities spokesperson said no decision has been made about any action to help students finish their studies.
“Ministry staff have already begun and will continue the work of assessing appropriate training completion options for affected students,” May Nazar said in an email.
At the time of its closure, Everest College had approximately 2,400 students and 450 staff members across Ontario.
