Toronto, ON – August 24, 2026 – CESBA (the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators) is pleased to announce the launch of the PSW District School Board Bursary Program, an $18-million investment by the Government of Ontario that will help up to 6,000 more adults complete personal support worker (PSW) training over the next three years.
Funded by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the initiative will provide eligible students with up to $2,000 in bursary support while also strengthening and sustaining local PSW programs across the province.
In addition to financial assistance for students, the program will provide wraparound services and funding to strengthen student retention and sustain local PSW program delivery, while featuring a provincial awareness campaign and marketing initiatives to help connect more Ontarians with school board PSW training opportunities.
CESBA’s network of PSW Champions will also support recruitment efforts by attending Level Up! career fairs and community events while connecting with employment agencies, newcomer-service organizations and other community groups to reach prospective students.
“Ontario’s school boards play a vital role in workforce development and are uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality, community-based training. With a long history of supporting adult learners to overcome barriers to education and employment, school boards create pathways to meaningful careers while responding to local workforce needs. Through this important investment, we’re creating more opportunities for people to pursue rewarding careers as personal support workers while helping build stronger, healthier communities.”
–Paul Cox, Executive Director, CESBA
With nearly 20 school boards and one Indigenous Education Authority (IEA) offering PSW training in Ontario, these programs provide flexible, community-based education that supports the needs of diverse learners, including newcomers, second-career seekers, and those facing barriers to education and employment. Many programs also provide students with the opportunity to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while completing their PSW training.
The bursary program will also help strengthen access to PSW education in rural, remote and Northern communities, including support for IEAs.
The PSW District School Board Bursary Program is part of Ontario’s broader $75-million investment to strengthen the province’s long-term care workforce.
About CESBA
CESBA is a provincial, non-profit professional association that represents, advocates for and supports adult and continuing education program staff working in more than 60 school boards across Ontario.
Media Contact
Brittany Howlett
Communications Consultant
CESBA
bhowlett@cesba.com