NSCC offers free tuition for former youth in care
Former youth in care can now apply to have up to 100 per cent of their tuition covered at the Nova Scotia Community College.
The college is the first in Atlantic Canada to offer a free tuition program specifically for individuals who have spent time in foster care or have been supported by other provincially-supported programming.
NSCC follows Mount Saint Vincent University, which is the first university in Atlantic Canada to offer a tuition waiver program for former youth in care.
“At NSCC, we’re committed to building accessibility and inclusion into everything we do,” stated Don Bureaux, NSCC president, in a news release.
“By eliminating barriers to education in this way, we’re opening up a world of possibilities and ensuring that all Nova Scotians have the opportunity to move successfully into training and the workforce.”
Eligible individuals can apply to have up to 100 per cent of their tuition and fees covered at the college through the PostCare Free Tuition Program, according to the release.
To be eligible for the program, individuals must have been in the care of the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, including Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia, or have accessed youth services (as defined by Section 19 of the Children and Family Services Act) for a minimum of one year.
Applicants must also be working towards their first post-secondary credential and not currently be on the receiving end of the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services’ Educational Bursary.
More information on eligibility and how to apply is available at nscc.ca/postcare.
Jane Kovarikova, founder of the Child Welfare Political Action Committee Canada, which inspired the free tuition program, said she knows “firsthand” how transformative postsecondary education can be for someone raised in care. She entered foster care at age six.
“It was a community college that made it possible for me to start my academic journey. I commend NSCC on its work to broaden these opportunities for Nova Scotians," she said.
Community Services Minister Kelly Regan said she’s “grateful to NSCC for providing this significant opportunity to help these young people reach their educational goals.”
The Post-care Free Tuition Program is partially funded by donors to the NSCC Foundation. For more information, people can visit support.nscc. ca/postcarebursary.