Here. For Brighter Futures for Youth.
For youth aging out of government care, pursuing post-secondary education without family support may seem like an impossible dream. Your generosity helps make it a reality.
Donate Today
Help local youth today
Support former youth in care who dream of saying YES to post-secondary education.
In BC, former youth-in-care have access to the Tuition Waiver Program, provided by the provincial government, that helps cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students at post-secondary institutions. However, meeting basic living expenses is an ongoing challenge. Many former youth-in-care have few family supports they can rely on to help meet their daily needs, such as food, shelter, and transportation. In fact, it costs a student approximately $26,400 annually for rent, phone, transit, and food.
Through a low-barrier application process, youth can apply for YFEF funds based on their specific needs, whether it’s a small amount needed for a calculator or a more substantial amount for tools like a laptop and desk. Last year, 492 students received more than $600,000, with the smallest allocation at just $20 and the largest at $6,500.
Today, Natasha is 29 years old and studying to become a youth worker, with a big goal to make a difference in the lives of sexually exploited youth.
“Without Youth Futures Education Fund support I would have struggled to further my education, working towards establishing an impactful career and promising future,” Natasha says. “Funding from the fund helped to reduce the financial barriers I was facing as a full-time student.”
Throughout the summer, post-secondary students will be planning for their next semester by purchasing textbooks, acquiring materials, and finding a place to live near school. This year, the need for support is greater. We anticipate more than 800 youth will access the program – almost double the number of students we supported last year. With your help, we can provide some much-needed stability and consistency for students like Natasha.
Be here. For brighter futures. Donate today. For tomorrow.
Questions? Contact us at 1-877-557-1953 or giving@uwbc.ca
Education is the pathway to a brighter future.
Your donation makes a positive impact in a youth’s life
Elanis’ Story
Elanis reached out to the Youth Futures Education Fund for help while attending Thompson Rivers University to become a social worker. After spending time in foster care as a toddler, Elanis was adopted at 6 years old and bonded with her adoptive father. His death when Elanis was a teenager was heart-breaking and sent her back into government care until she aged-out of the system.
Now a young adult, Elanis is in her final year of school to become a child welfare social worker. Her lived experience is a strong driver for wanting to help other youth as they navigate life in foster care.
With your support, Elanis is able to give back to her community in a meaningful way. “I’m really grateful for your help and that you have invested in my education, you’ve invested in my career and my future,” Elanis says. “I can’t say it enough. Thank you for your contribution.”
Help local youth today
Your donation will help alleviate the rising costs of food, gas and essential student supplies.
