A key component of OPIRG Kingston’s mandate is to foster campus and community based research to inspire and inform our broader work of education and action for a more socially and environmentally just community. To this end, OPIRG Kingston has allocated funds for up to three (3) grants of $1,000.00 each to research the following:
- OSAP funding changes and post-secondary tuition increases and impact on local students & community
- Local (Kingston, and/or Queen’s University) investments in/relationship to US government agencies (ie. ICE), and;
- Charles Bagot and the extradition of Nelson Hackett (People’s History Project report).
Topic 1: OSAP and Tuition Changes
Background
The Government of Ontario announced in February of 2026 that it would change how it funds the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). The changes mean that, as of August 1, 2026, students will receive a greater proportion of funding in the form of loans that must be repaid with interest rather than as grants. The grant portion will be reduced from a maximum of 85 percent to a maximum of 25 percent, while the loan portion will increase from a minimum of 15 percent to a minimum of 75 percent. At the same time, Ontario post-secondary domestic student tuition will be allowed to increase by up to 2 percent per year beginning in September 2026, ending a tuition freeze that has been in place since 2019.
These changes follow the Federal government’s cap on the exploitative international student study program and disrupted a multi-billion dollar source of revenue to Ontario colleges and universities. No longer able to rely on the exorbitant tuition charged to international students to subsidize their operations, many institutions, including Queen’s, have responded by cutting programs, laying off staff, or closing campuses.
Suggested research
- Survey the community (may include Queen’s, St. Lawrence College, and high school students) to gauge understanding of, attitudes about, and responses to, changes to OSAP and lifting of the tuition freeze.
- Review research conducted elsewhere regarding the social, economic, and/or political effects of tuition (un)affordability and student debt.
Topic 2: Local Investments and Relationships with ICE
Background
The United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has escalated its activities within the country, resulting in widespread detainments without charge, unlawful deportations, and deaths of citizens and non-citizens alike. In addition to direct face-offs in US streets, people of conscience opposed to ICE have participated in protests and boycotts targeting corporations and institutions that collaborate with, facilitate, and fund ICE activities.
ICE has a presence in Canada as well, not only in their five satellite offices across the country, but embedded in the close economic and political relationships between Canada and the USA. OPIRG Kingston is interested to learn more about these connections and what opportunities there may be to extend solidarity across the border.
Suggested research
- Map local institutions, businesses, etc. that conduct business with ICE.
- Review Queen’s University’s investment portfolio, its Board of Trustees’ community consultation process, and its Responsible Investing Policy.
- Review the City of Kingston’s relevant investments, partnerships, and policies (eg. Access without Fear Policy).
- Investigate Canada Border Services Agency procedures related to working with ICE.
Topic 3: People’s History Project: Charles Bagot and Nelson Hackett
Background
OPIRG Kingston’s People’s History Project recognizes and preserves the histories of social movements and of people whose stories are less-often told.
Kingston was once the capital of the Province of Canada, of which Sir Charles Bagot was Governor General from 1841 to 1843. Today he is remembered for diplomacy and contributions to nation-building, and locally Bagot Street is named after him. Less widely-known is his support of Indian residential schools and his work to extradite Nelson Hackett, a man who had fled slavery, back to Arkansas, where he was publicly whipped and re-enslaved.
Suggested research
- What–if any–were the responses to the extradition by local abolitionists?
- What is known about Nelson Hackett’s fate after his re-enslavement?
- How does this story relate to Kingston today?
Eligibility
This research opportunity is open to applicants who:
- are currently enrolled at Queen’s University;
- have a demonstrated interest (academic or activist) in engaging with research in the people’s interest
- are able to begin their proposed project by August 31st at the latest, and complete the project no later than December 31st, 2026. Projects that can be both started and completed over the summer (i.e by August 31st), may be considered more favourably.
How to apply
Interested applicants should fill out the linked form and upload a written proposal of approximately 500 words and no more than 750 words outlining their project, including their proposed area of focus, expected research outcome (i.e. report or other output), and timeline. Applicants should also submit a brief overview of no more than 200 words describing their qualifications, suitability and interest to conduct and facilitate this research. Each proposal should deal with one (1) of the research topics noted above. Applicants may submit multiple proposals.
The deadline for proposal submission is 11:59pm on Monday, June 1st, 2026.
After review of proposals, OPIRG Kingston will collaborate with selected applicants to further refine and develop shared expectations, the research process, and timelines.
OPIRG is open to applications from both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as collaborative efforts between multiple academic levels (e.g. undergraduate/graduate/post-doctoral/adjunct/associate and full professors).
If your proposal is accepted, you can expect to hear from us by June 15th, 2026 to discuss refinement of the project. Selected applicants will receive 50% upfront and 50% upon project completion.