$600,000 in School Funding will be available for BC youth from government care.
The Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF) announced they will disburse $600,000 in funding this year. This is the highest amount disbursed since the formation of the Fund in 2014.
YFEF distributed over $550,000 in the past two years to 519 students. Just last year the funding was able to help nine students from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) and 24 students from Thompson Rivers University.
United Way British Columbia, the YFEF fund manager, invested $250,000 towards the fund which was matched by the Government of British Columbia.
“By investing in the Youth Futures Education Fund, we are valuing the unique attributes and perspectives of youth aging out of care and wanting to pursue post-secondary education,” said Kim Winchell, Senior Director, Strategy & Operations, Community Impact & Investment United Way British Columbia.
“We all benefit by supporting bright, determined youth to build a fairer, most just and vibrant future.”
The funding received will help students focus on their schooling by alleviating them from stresses brought by living expenses such as food, rent, and school supplies. “The financial support I was lacking, they (YFEF) came in and filled that void,” said Sim Sidhu, a second year student from Langara College.
“Compared to high school, I’m doing really well in college because I really enjoy what I’m learning and I’m really passionate about it.”
Sidhu has been a recipient of the YFEF since 2020, assisting her in pursuit of a Psychology degree.
“I tell the students about the funding and the support available, and I advocate youth from care,” said Sidhu
“Some youth don’t even get an opportunity and are left with a garbage bag at the age of 19, left to fend for themselves.”
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 foundation works with BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland, Central & Northern Vancouver Island.
The funding aims to help students in BC’s interior, Lower Mainland, Central and Northern Vancouver Island between the ages of 19-27 who have previously been in government care and are enrolled in a post secondary institution.
Applicants can apply at any point in the year. Students can reach out to their respective Institution’s financial advisor to begin the application process. For more information please visit www.youthfutures.ca.
