Youth Futures – A vital support for brighter futures
Moving to Nelson with her cats, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of this unique little town, and helping other kids who are struggling: that’s Yanna’s ideal picture of her future, and her eyes light up when she describes it with a shy smile. Although it’s a simple plan today, it used to be a distant dream. […]
Youth Futures Founding Partner, Coast Capital steps up
All children and youth deserve a bright future. Post-secondary education is an important step in that journey, but it can be one with many challenges for those formerly in government care. Youth in care ‘age out’ of the system at age 19 losing all support from their foster parents, social workers, government programs, along with […]
Vital support for students pursuing higher education – 2021/22 Annual Report
Youth who have transitioned to adulthood from government care and are pursuing post-secondary education are vital to the future of our community. Helping these students to achieve their goals benefits everyone. That is why it’s so critical that youth are supported through this important life-stage. In 2021/22, a total of 492 students received financial support […]
Be the change you want to see
Ever since she was a little girl, Elanis knew she wanted to make a difference with her life. Her experience as a toddler in foster care, and the difficulties she faced when she was adopted at the age of 6, inspired her passion to become a social worker. “I want to be there for children […]
Province of British Columbia invests $250,000 in Youth Futures Education Fund
Every year, over 800 youth transition out of government care. Many dream of pursuing post-secondary education but that goal often seems unattainable without proper supports. While BC’s Tuition Waiver Program covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students attending one of 25 public post-secondary institutions, the Native Education College or 10 Union Institutes across British […]
Fueling a creative future
Acting, music, writing, digital art and animation: if it involves creativity, Star is all-in! It started back in Grade 3 when she picked up a pen, wanting to be a novelist. “I’ve always been a big creative,” says the 26-year-old Burnaby resident. Currently, she is working on her reel, a video resume of her skills […]
Making a difference for youth pursuing higher learning – 2020/21 Annual Report
Youth formerly in care aging into community and pursuing post-secondary education exemplify resilience and determination. In 2021, almost 730 students who had been in BC government care or in the care of a Delegated Aboriginal Agency attended school on a post-secondary institution or provincial tuition waiver. This despite the ongoing financial, social and emotional challenges […]
Youth Futures disburses $600,000 to youth aging into community
Twenty-one-year-old Simranjit – Sim – has her sights set on a PhD in psychology. Her courage, support from helpful high school guidance counsellors and the Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF), which provides support for basic living expenses like food, rent and internet, mean she’s on her way to success. “Psychology sparked my interest because I have a […]
Re-found connections fuel dream career
As a child in care, Michelle* had few items to call her own. One, a sealskin purse, crisscrossed Canada with her dozens of times between Newfoundland and Labrador and BC. The memento saw her through life as a single teen mom struggling to raise her children. Today, settled in northern BC with her family and pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work degree through University of Victoria distance learning, the 42-year-old says the good luck charm serves as a reminder of how […]
Fulfilling a passion to help youth
In June, Ashley accepted her Bachelor of Arts in Child & Youth Care (BACYC) degree from New Westminster’s Douglas College in a virtual ceremony. Completing her post-secondary education marks the close of one chapter in her life and the beginning of another. “I’m really proud of myself for not giving up and that I took the time to find […]