Funding for BC former youth from care

Provincial Tuition Waiver Program

This program covers the tuition and mandatory fees for BC former youth in care students attending a BC public post-secondary institution either part-time or full-time in a post-secondary level program leading to an apprenticeship, certificate, diploma or undergraduate degree. For complete information and to download an application form, visit: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/provincial-tuition-waiver-program. Please direct inquiries and completed applications to our Financial Aid Office at financialaid@coastmountaincollege.ca.

 

Youth Futures Education Fund

Students who are approved for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program can apply for a Youth Futures Education Fund Bursary, which is available at a maximum of $500 per semester ($1,000 maximum per program year) to assist with supplemental educational funding for expenses such as books, housing, utilities, education-related technology, or emergency situations. For complete information visit: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/youth-futures-education-fund. Please direct inquiries and completed applications to our Financial Aid Office at financialaid@coastmountaincollege.ca.

Youth Futures Education Fund Application – Printable Version [PDF]

 

Learning for Future Grant

Effective August 1, 2023, students who are approved for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program can apply for the new Learning for Future Grant of $3,500 to help pay for costs such as books, computers and internet services. This grant will replace the Youth Educational Assistance Fund for Former Youth in Care. For more information, visit: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/learning-future-grant. Please direct inquiries to our Financial Aid Office at financialaid@coastmountaincollege.ca.

 

Agreements with Young Adults

If you are between 19 and 26 years old and have been in foster care or had a Youth Agreement, you may qualify for the Agreements with Young Adult program to help cover the cost of things like housing, child care, tuition and health care while you go to school. For complete information and to apply, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/youth-and-family-services/teens-in-foster-care/agreements-with-young-adults. Please direct inquiries to your local Ministry of Children and Development Office by calling toll-free to 1-877-387-7027.

 

Ministry of Children and Family Development Rent Supplement

The MCFD Rent Supplement Program is intended to enhance stable housing and prevent the experience of homelessness for young adults from government care. It supports eligible youth adults who live in the private rental market with a $600-month rental supplement for up to 2-years or until the month of their 27th birthday, whichever comes first. The application period will open in spring 2024. For more information, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/youth-and-family-services/youth-transitions/housing-supports.

 

AgedOut.com

AgedOut.com is for young adults who were in government care in BC. It’s an up-to-date warehouse of information on resources and services available to young adults and a learning tool to help people feel empowered as they leave care.

 

Federation of BC Youth in Care Network

The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks (FBCYICN, or the Fed) is a youth-driven, peer-based, provincial non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people in and from care in BC between the ages of 14 and 24. Their programs create a safe space for youth to come together, build connections, identify challenges and feel at home.  Throughout the year they host youth retreats, provide bursaries for education and skills development, support youth with training and leadership opportunities and distribute resources and information to young people and their allies across the province. For more info, visit: https://www.fbcyicn.ca.

 

Post-Secondary Resource Guides

The Federation of BC Youth in Care Network Post-Secondary Resource Guides are a collection of accessible and affordable resources, supports and services available to students in and from care. To view or print a resource guide, visit: https://fbcyicn.ca/what-we-offer/programs/outreach/post-secondary-resource-guides.

 

Strengthening Abilities & Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) Program

Youth and young adults who have been in government care in British Columbia are receiving expanded supports through the newly named Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program. Services and supports through SAJE have been available to youth and young adults 19 and older since 2022. The program is continuing to expand and improve. Recent enhancements include:

  • $600 every two years for glasses and contacts, which has expanded to include eye exams;
  • dental coverage has increased to up to $1,000 a year;
  • expanded housing flexibility for youth between the ages of 19 and 21; and
  • expanding the maximum duration of supports for up to 84 months until age 27.

For more information, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/youth-and-family-services/youth-transitions.