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 created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Support from the Youth Futures Education Fund helped make a difference for over 70% – 519 – of these students, allowing them to realize their potential.
The Youth Futures Education Fund provides low-barrier access to funds that support basic living expenses like food, rent, technology and mental health care to students while they study.
Thanks to donor support, individual, institutional and governmental, youth are finding success in and through their studies and in life. This means a brighter future for everyone.
“Making communities stronger and more resilient by helping young people succeed is what the Youth Futures Education Fund does best. We couldn’t do it without you. Donor support is not only changing lives but is also critical in changing communities and societies to make them more just, equitable and inclusive,” says Maureen Young, Fund Chair and Vice President, Social Purpose, Coast Capital.
The 2020-21 Annual Report highlights the successes of this critical program including:
- Over 17% more students accessing support than in the prior year
- Over $550,000 raised and distributed to students
- Over 90% of students supported by Youth Futures continuing or completing their studies
View 2020-21 Youth Futures Education Fund Annual Report.
The Youth Futures Education Fund was collaboratively established by: Coast Capital, The Province of British Columbia, and the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth. The Youth Futures Education Fund is guided by an Advisory Committee, held at the Vancouver Foundation and is administered by United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland and Central & Vancouver Island.