Youth in care ‘age out’ of the system at age 19 losing all support from their foster parents, social workers, government programs, along with any financial assistance. Other young people may have a family to fall back on, but former youth in care often have no one, making pursuing post-secondary education and future careers challenging.
Many demonstrate enormous resiliency in the face of adversity and have worked incredibly hard to position themselves to pursue post-secondary education. In fact, 93% of students receiving Youth Futures funding continue or complete their studies.
are under government care in the Province of B.C.
of B.C.’s homeless population were in government care at some point in their lives
of youth turning 19 and leaving care this year will be on income assistance within six months
Recognizing the vital role that education plays in helping a young person realize their potential, the Youth Futures Education Fund provides low-barrier access to funds to support living expenses to youth who have aged out of the foster care system and are attending a post-secondary institution on a tuition waiver.
The majority of Youth Futures funding is spent on text books and supplies and expenses like food and damage deposits.
are the basic living expenses for students, including rent, phone, internet, transit, and food
are the range of allocations for student receiving YFEF funding
attending college or university on a tuition waiver have received over
$3.3 million in Youth Futures support
Former Youth in care can face a lack of guidance and support from parental figures as well as facing a disproportionate gap in the financial support they receive, which is why so few consider the path to higher education.
The Provincial Tuition Waiver program dismisses tuition fees for B.C. students who are former youth in care between 19 and up to their 27th birthday who are attending a B.C. public post-secondary institution. While this is a great support, it is not enough. The Youth Futures Education Fund helps these students with basic living expenses so they can concentrate on their studies.
Post-secondary education not only helps a young person realize their potential, but also helps establish a network of friends, colleagues, and mentors. All youth should have the same opportunities to pursue this reality.
of students attending post-secondary institutions on a tuition waivers program and receiving Youth Futures funding withdraw from their studies
of students receiving Youth Futures funding for basic living expenses are Indigenous
of youth aging out of care continue on to post-secondary studies compared to the general population, with university graduation rates one-sixth or less than the general population
