Draft:Willis College

Willis College is a private career college, registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. The college offers post-secondary diploma programs that often include practicum placements. These programs are designed to meet the needs of in-demand careers, ensuring that students receive industry-recognized certifications and the specialized skills training required to excel in their chosen fields. Willis College maintains a campus in Ottawa and offers online programs across Canada.

History
Established in 1866, Willis College is a private career college in Canada, known for its focus on adult education. Originally, the college specialized in secretarial and business courses, providing training in skills such as typing, shorthand, dictation, and general office skills, reflecting the business needs of the time. The curriculum was designed to serve students from Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

The founder, Stephen T. Willis, was recognized for his contributions to shorthand teaching, leading to the development of a unique shorthand method. This method was formalized with the publication of the Willis Shorthand book in 1938, intended for use in Ottawa.

Following the founder's death, the college underwent several leadership changes, with notable figures such as the Honourable George Dunbar, Mrs. Bradley, and Mr. Rodolphe Rousseau assuming control. In the late 20th century, the college expanded its academic offerings to include language training programs, aiming to meet the federal government’s bilingualism requirements.

Ownership of the college changed hands in 1989 to the Aristocrat family. In 2020, a new partnership with Summit2 was established. Henry Devlin is the current President and CEO, leading the institution forward.

Programs
Willis College provides a wide range of programs aimed at preparing students for careers in high-demand fields. Emphasizing applied theory and practical experience, the college's curriculum covers diverse industries such as technology, business, healthcare, and legal studies. The current available programs offered at Willis College are:


 * Accounting and Payroll Technician
 * Addictions & Community Services Worker
 * Administrative Assistant
 * CyberSecurity Analyst
 * CyberSecurity Operator
 * Dental Assistant (Distance) Level I & II
 * Dental Assistant Level I & II
 * Dental Office Administrator
 * Dental Radiography (HARP Approved)
 * Executive Business Administration
 * Help Desk & Network (Support) Technician
 * Home Support Worker
 * Human Resources With Payroll
 * Law Clerk
 * Legal Assistant
 * Massage Therapy
 * Massage Therapy Fast Track
 * Medical Office Administrator w/ Ward Clerk Specialist
 * Personal Support Worker (Distance) (PSW) NACC Certificate
 * Personal Support Worker (PSW) NACC Certificate
 * Pharmacy Assistant
 * Supply Chain Management
 * Veterinary Medical Assistant

Scholarships
Willis College offers a range of scholarship opportunities aimed at financially supporting eligible students. These scholarships are available to students who meet various criteria and are awarded at different points during the academic year. Beyond the scholarships offered by Willis College, eligible students may also seek financial support from external sources, including corporations, government agencies, and individual donors.

Willis College “Learning Together” Veteran and Family Scholarship
The “Learning Together” Veteran and Family Scholarship is a distinctive offering for retired or retiring members of the Canadian Armed Forces opting to continue their education at Willis College. This program enables these veterans to bring a family member along on their educational path at the college, creating a supportive learning environment.

Government of Canada Financial Assistance
Eligible students at Willis College may access financial assistance through the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, which provides grants and loans to both full-time and part-time students. This initiative helps students afford their post-secondary education. In partnership with provincial and territorial governments, the Government of Canada administers these financial aid programs. Students' eligibility and the amount of aid they receive are determined upon application, processed through their home province or territory.

These scholarship and financial assistance options highlight Willis College's commitment to making education accessible and supporting eligible students in reaching their academic and career objectives.