Young people leaving foster care now will have access to free tuition at all 25 of British Columbia’s public post-secondary institutions, Premier John Horgan announced today.

“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 Premier Horgan.

This program – previously only available at 11 public post-secondary institutions – provides tuition waivers to former kids in care, who are less likely to have access to post-secondary education or training than young people who grew up with family supports.

“We’re in a position to make life better for young people who grew up without family stability,” said Premier Horgan. “By bringing down barriers to opportunity, and making advanced education more accessible, we can clear the path to success for these young people.”

Students accessing the program must be:

• from British Columbia;
• aged between 19 to 26 years; and
• have been in care for a minimum of 24 months.

To read the full press release visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017PREM0076-001509

For more information on the new tuition waiver visit: http://fbcyicn.ca/sites/default/files/FAQs%20for%20students%202017%20.pdf