BC expands program that waives tuition fees for former youth in care

On Tuesday, the province announced it would be expanding its program that waives a portion of tuition fees for youth that were in foster care.

The program was first introduced in 2017 to waive tuition fees for former youth in care between 19 and 26.

As of August. 1, 2023, the expanded program will no longer have age requirements and will be available to all BC former youth in care.

BC’s minister of postsecondary education and future skills, Selina Robinson, says the expansion of the program will “reduce barriers to post-secondary education, support people in pursuing good-paying and meaningful jobs, and support a more inclusive, balanced and diverse workforce.”

The program grants individuals as much as $3,500 per year to cover expenses like textbooks, internet costs and computers.

To be eligible for the program, students must be studying full or part time at a BC post-secondary school, the Native Education College or one of 10 approved trades training schools.

Since the program was implemented, 1,900 students have had $13 million in tuition and fees waived as they pursue their post-secondary education, says the province in a news release.

The latest extension of the program will be funded by $19.2 million over three years. It is expected to help an additional 1,200 students who are currently enrolled in school and result in an estimated increase of 1,000 to 1,500 program participants per year.