Youth Education Bursary: supporting a career in the social services

Established by Federation members in 2009, the Youth Education Bursary supports young people aged 30 or younger who are currently in care or have been in care and want to pursue a career in human and social services.

The bursary helps cover the cost of tuition, books and supplies for post-secondary education, training or academic upgrading. Since 2009, the program has awarded $355,998 in bursaries to 272 students (as of August 2025).

Students may apply each year they are enrolled in school. If eligible, they may receive funding in multiple years. The Federation and its members share a long-term commitment to supporting youth in care as they pursue education and careers that strengthen communities across B.C.

The bursary provides up to $2,000 per academic year (two semesters). 

As a former youth in care, I bring my abilities to empathize, treat clients with compassion and dignity, and advocate for their right to make informed decisions for themselves. Moreover, I want children and youth growing up in our foster care systems to see themselves represented in the fields of human services. I want them to know that their biggest dreams are possible, despite all the adversities they will have to overcome to get there.
+ 2022 Student

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Federation Youth Education Bursary, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• You are currently in care or are a former youth in care in B.C. This includes being under a Continuing Custody Order (CCO), Temporary Custody Order (TCO), Voluntary Agreement, Special Needs Agreement or Youth Agreement under British Columbia’s Child, Family and Community Service Act.
• You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You are 30 years old or younger in the year you apply.
• You are currently attending or plan to enroll in a post-secondary academic program offered by an institution, organization or company in Canada.
• Your education plans relate to a career in human and social services. 

Examples include:

• Social work
• Counselling
• Child and youth care
• Psychology
• Community, family and child studies
• Gerontology and social work
• Health care
• Mental health and addictions
• Law
• Sociology

If you have questions about whether your area of study qualifies, please contact info@fcssbc.ca.

Psychology sparked my interest because I have a great passion for learning and understanding why people think the way they do. It also helps me understand myself better, having gone through a tremendous amount of trauma in my life.
+ 2022 Student

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 Youth Education Bursary are now open; the last date to apply is May 11, 2026.

• Fill out this form and send it to info@fcssbc.ca.
• You may apply for the bursary if you are receiving other bursaries or a tuition waiver.
• You may apply for the bursary more than once, which means you may receive funding in multiple years.
• Applicants will be notified about the status of their application in the summer.

Administration of the bursary

• The bursary provides up to $2,000 per academic year (two semesters).
• Funds are paid directly to the academic institution and deposited into the student’s account.
• Bursary funds must be used within 18 months.

Use-by timelines:

• 2025 recipients must use funds by the January 2027 semester.
• 2026 recipients must use funds by the January 2028 semester. 

I chose my area of study because I have seen and experienced the impact psychophysical health has on individuals achieving their optimal quality of life. It is an honour and pleasure to contribute positive interventions that help my community thrive.
+ 2022 Student

Support the Youth Education Bursary

Donations to the Youth Education Bursary help support youth in care as they pursue post-secondary education and careers in human and social services, strengthening the workforce that communities across B.C. rely on.

The Federation of Community Social Services of BC is a registered charity.

Business number: 898839790RR0001

Donate online

Donate through CanadaHelps using your credit card, with or without a dedication.

Donate by cheque

If you would like to donate by cheque, complete the Bursary Donation Form print the completed form and mail it with your cheque to:

The Federation of Community Social Services of BC 
102-739 Kings Rd. 
Victoria, B.C., V8T 1W4

Donation dedications

You may dedicate your donation in honour of a friend, colleague or family member, or to mark a special occasion.

The Federation will acknowledge your donation with a card sent to you or the honouree describing the impact the gift will make.

If you have questions about donating, please contact info@fcssbc.ca.

Spread the word

Help support youth in care as they pursue post-secondary education and careers in human and social services.

Share this page on social media or send it to friends, colleagues and family members who may wish to support the bursary.