I am sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable, “Increase student financial wellbeing by integrating basic needs resources and financial literacy education into BCIT’s student support services.” This important work supports our commitment to foster vibrant and inclusive communities at BCIT.
The Student Financial Aid & Awards team and Student Success are dedicated to expanding and enhancing student financial literacy and basic needs resources through education, communications, and outreach supports.
Through collaborations with the Student Association, International Student Centre, and more, we have expanded the communications of Student Financial Aid & Awards services to reach more students with financial insecurity. We’ve also enhanced basic needs support education through booths and presentations and increased financial literacy through online content and workshops for BCIT students.
To date, we have facilitated six financial literacy workshops, with over 250 registrants across all sessions, and hosted 16 booths that drew 514 visitors to support financial literacy and educate about financial aid options.
The cost of living in the Lower Mainland for students attending courses in-person —particularly for housing, food, and other essentials—is considerably higher than many other regions in BC. According to campus surveys, many BCIT students cite financial pressures as a major source of stress that significantly impacts their post-secondary experience (Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey, 2023). Finances are also a common reason preventing students from continuing their studies (BCIT Student Check-in Survey, 2025).
We look forward to continuing to offer workshops and booths to increase education and awareness for students about financial literacy and basic needs and supports. Additionally, we are also working to strengthen partnerships to expand food security initiatives for students which will provide more resources available.
We invite you to share our Financial Wellbeing Essentials Series for BCIT students on February 24 and 25 and visit the Student Financial Aid & Awards financial literacy website.
Thank you,
Amanda Unruh
Health Promotion Strategist
Commitment: Foster vibrant and inclusive communities
Initiatives:
- Holistic student development
- Comprehensive student engagement and support
Deliverable: Increase student financial wellbeing by integrating basic needs resources and financial literacy education into BCIT’s student support services.