Province expands tuition program for former youths in foster care
The tuition-waiver program that allows former youth in care to attend college or university without paying tuition has been expanded to include construction trades training.
Former children’s representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond started the tuition waiver program in 2013, eventually convincing a dozen universities and colleges to waive their fees for youth aging out of care.
Statistics show these youth struggle with poverty, unemployment, poor health and homelessness more frequently than their peers from traditional families.
In September, the then-new NDP government announced the province would pay for all 25 post-secondary schools in B.C. to offer free tuition to former foster kids up to age 26. The number of youth taking advantage of free schooling jumped, from 189 in 2016-17 to 355 this school year.
The program will expand to include on-the-job instruction by union-based trainers, as well as mentorship and counselling, starting July 1.
On Friday, the government pledged $250,000 to the Youth Futures Education Fund, which provides former foster kids with some cash to cover books, rent and other living expenses while at school.
“Students often turn to family for support with living expenses while they pursue their dreams and post-secondary education. But former youth in care rarely have that option,” Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark said.
Emily Goncalves received help from the fund after leaving care.
“Being able to receive an education has completely changed my life,” she said Friday.
The province has so far reimbursed $1.8 million to post-secondary institutions, and has committed $6 million to the tuition waiver program over the next three years.
Also this week, the government committed $100,000 to help youth leaving care learn how to drive, a program that was started last year. The ministry has donated some vehicles, so the youth can practice for their road test.
“We want to be sure that young people who have been in care gain the kind of skills many parents see as necessary for their children,” said Children and Families Minister Katrine Conroy.