FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2

The Fonds étudiant solidarité travail du Québec (FESTQ) offers financial support to facilitate student employment across various sectors in Quebec. Through its two main funding streams, FESTQ I and FESTQ II, the program aims to enhance entrepreneurial skills and promote social solidarity among students by connecting them with eligible employers.

The Fonds étudiant solidarité travail du Québec (FESTQ) is a significant initiative that fosters student employment by providing funding to employers willing to hire students in Quebec. The program serves as a conduit to bridge the gap between education and the workforce by allowing students to gain valuable work experience and employers to benefit from their fresh perspectives and skills. The FESTQ program splits into two primary streams: FESTQ I and FESTQ II, each targeting different sectors and types of work. **Overview of FESTQ I and FESTQ II** FESTQ I is designed for a wide array of employment sectors. It invites various types of employers, such as private businesses, social economy organizations, and agricultural cooperatives, to submit projects that can employ students from the secondary, college, or university levels. This flexibility ensures diverse opportunities that match students' skills with the specific needs of Quebec’s job market. FESTQ II focuses on collective entrepreneurship, primarily funding coordination roles within CIECs (Coopératives d’initiation à l’entrepreneuriat collectif). It offers students from secondary education the chance to immerse themselves in entrepreneurial settings, thereby nurturing their entrepreneurial skills and mindset. **Eligibility Criteria and Application Timelines** The FESTQ program has specific eligibility requirements for both employers and students. Employers must fit into one of the predefined sectors – such as small private businesses, social economy organizations, or syndicates – and can only submit one project annually. Students must be enrolled in a recognized academic institution, ensuring they receive educational credits alongside practical experience. The application process involves meticulous documentation and adherence to deadlines. For FESTQ I, the project submission deadline varies by sector, generally from late February to the end of April. Notably, small businesses must submit by March 31, while CIEC-focused projects under FESTQ II are due by February 28. Following project approval, the recruitment phase for students must be concluded by May 31, with final reimbursement documentation due by September 30. **Grant Conditions and Financial Implications** FESTQ aims to support employers financially, covering a significant portion of the salaries paid to students. For example, under FESTQ I, the FESTQ contributes up to 90% of the student's salary, with employers responsible for the remaining 10% and any applicable social charges. In contrast, FESTQ II covers 100% of the salary for roles within CIECs, with employers covering only the associated social charges. The grant stipulates specific hourly wages based on education levels—$18 for secondary, $19 for college, and $20 for university students—alongside minimum required working hours during the employment period, which ranges between May 1 and August 31. **Strategic Importance and Benefits** The FESTQ grant program not only provides financial aid but plays a strategic role in cultivating Quebec’s future workforce. By offering students practical, hands-on work experience, it enhances their employability and skill development. It also supports social solidarity and community engagement, key values driving the province's socio-economic growth. Moreover, employers benefit from reduced financial burden and access to bright, eager students ready to contribute to their operations. It represents a powerful incentive for companies to invest in the younger workforce and innovate through fresh ideas and perspectives. **Conclusion** In summary, the FESTQ grant program is a comprehensive and essential resource for facilitating student employment and promoting economic growth in Quebec. It underscores a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and social solidarity. The grant’s structured design ensures clear application processes and meaningful outcomes for both students and employers, contributing to a robust, dynamic labor market poised to adapt to future challenges. As such, the FESTQ program not only supports immediate employment but also paves the way for sustained economic development in Quebec, benefiting students, employers, and the broader community alike.