Youth Education Bursary
Supporting young people who want to support others
As most of you now know, when I was first considering joining The Federation crew, the Youth Education Bursary was one of the things that really drew me to this organization. And since I took on this role, it has consistently surprised and inspired me over the years.
The thing that makes this Federation program so special is that it is more than just a lump sum of financial support given to students. It was created by Federation members as a way of recognizing young people as more than simply their experience in government care. It sees their potential and it helps them reach it.
Now, 12 years after it was created, the Youth Education Bursary remains an intentional and heartfelt way of welcoming the next generation of caregivers and practitioners into our sector. It empowers those who have been recipients of services and support—of care and compassion—to be able to offer the same things to others.
And that’s why I am excited to announce that applications for the 2021 Youth Education Bursary are now open.
Over the past few years, our province has made strides in supporting youth in care through things like tuition waivers. While those are very much steps in the right direction, they aren’t enough on their own—especially since the eligibility criteria for tuition waivers will only help some of BC’s former youth in care.
That’s why the bursary continues to be an important piece of our work. These young people want to join our committed, caring, and hardworking sector and want to be there to support them.
Applications open now
Bursary application forms (and a link to other resources for young people) are available on our website. The deadline to apply is May 28, 2021. Please share this information with young people in your life and others who help support BC’s youth in care.
Going to post-secondary and filling out applications and paperwork cans seem daunting. But the best way to make these kinds of applications less scary for a young person is to have a kind, caring adult work on it with them. So please offer your help to anyone completing the application.
Help spread the word
This year, help us raise awareness about the Youth Education Bursary by displaying a poster in your office or staff room or online. Spread the word among your networks and pass on information to youth in care, people who work with youth in care, and former youth in care. (We have expanded the bursary’s eligibility to include young adults up to the age of 30.)
In closing, I want to sincerely thank all of our members for their ongoing support of this important and meaningful program. Your commitment to the bursary program and the growing community of youth that it has helped to welcome into our sector are two beautiful examples of what Altogether better is all about.
Rick FitzZaland
Executive Director
Help promote the Youth Education Bursary!
Download the 2021 Bursary Promotion Poster [PDF] here and print it off and put it up in your office or share it online. You can also download the bursary promotional images below and share them on your social media channels. Just be sure to include the link fcssbc.ca/youth-bursary. Thanks for helping us help kids in care!!
