Young adults leaving foster care will now have access to free tuition at all twenty-five of British Columbia’s public post-secondary institutions.
Previously offered only at 11, the B.C. NDP’s expanded tuition program is the start of improved supports the government is developing to help youth aged from care.
The program will now provide tuition waivers to children in care who are less likely to have access to post-secondary education than those with family support.
“We want youth in our care system to know we are looking out for them and that we believe in their potential. That’s why we are expanding access to post-secondary education for youth aging out of care so they can thrive, not just survive,” said Horgan in a release. “By bringing down barriers to opportunity, and making advanced education more accessible, we can clear the path to success for these young people.”
Melanie Mark, Advanced Education, Skills, and Training Minister, believes that proper education is the difference between a life in poverty or a life of success. Giving students the equal opportunity to access post-secondary education, skill sets, and tools for the job, they will be more likely to thrive, said Mark.
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“Young people who have been in care should have the same level of support as other young adults do – that’s why we are providing a stronger foundation for them to achieve their goals through the tuition waiver program,” said Katrine Conroy, Children and Family Development Minister. “Parents throughout British Columbia offer support to their children after they reach 19. Youth in care need to know that we are looking out for them too. This is why we are committed to further enhancing supports so we can be sure we’re helping all youth who age out, not just a few.”
To qualify for the program, students must be:
- From British Columbia;
- Aged 19 to 26 years old;
- Have been in care for a minimum of 24 months.
Any eligible student who has already paid fees for September will be refunded.
For more information on support available for youth aging out of care, visit the government’s website.
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