Funding for Former Children or Youth in Care

BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (PTWP)

To be eligible for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program, students must be studying full-time or part-time, below the graduate level, at a B.C. public post-secondary institution, the Native Education College or an approved union-based trades training provider and:

• Adopted through the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency (ICFSA); or
• Formerly in the B.C. Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Child in Home of Relative Program; or
• Currently or formerly in any B.C. MCFD or ICFSA Legal Status (either while living in B.C. or while placed by MCFD or an ICFSA on an Interprovincial Placement Agreement [IPPA]) at the time you turn(ed) 19 or for at least 24 months (730 days) (consecutive or accumulated in any combination).

For complete eligibility details and application information, visit the StudentAid BC Provincial Tuition Waiver Program website.

To apply for the Provincial Tuition Waiver at BCIT, please contact Student Financial Aid & Awards to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

Learning for Future Grant (LFG)

The Learning for Future Grant is available to full-time or part-time students who meet the eligibility criteria for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and are enrolled in a program or course below the graduate level that leads, or will lead, to a credential (citation, certificate, diploma or degree).

The Learning for Future Grant provides an annual grant of $3,500 per program year (August 1 to July 31) to assist with additional education related costs not covered by the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (e.g. textbooks, computers, supplies, etc.).

For complete eligibility details and application information, visit their website.

Learning Fund for Young Adults (LFYA)

LFYA provides a one-time $1,500 grant to eligible young people with care experience access learning opportunities. This includes young adults on Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) agreements. The funding can be used towards formal or informal education, training or life-skills development goals.  There’s no deadline, so you can apply anytime (as long as you meet the eligibility requirements). Applications for the LFYA are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

For complete eligibility details and application information, visit their website.

Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE)

Improvements to supports for youth and young adults with care experience in British Columbia have now been fully implemented and embedded in legislation. As a result, young people with care experience can access the SAJE program, which offers support and services up to age 27. These supports include income assistance, housing support, health and wellness services, as well as funding for life skills, training, and cultural connections.

For complete eligibility details and application information, visit their website.

Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF)

The Youth Futures Education Fund has been established by the United Way to provide a grant to recipients of the Former Youth in Care Provincial Tuition Waiver, to assist with supplemental educational funding for expenses such as books, housing, utilities, or emergency situations.

For complete eligibility details and application information, please contact Student Financial Aid & Awards.