Province offers free tuition for kids in foster care

Sep 1, 2017 | 12:22 PM

NANAIMO, B.C. — School is about to get a lot cheaper for former youth in care.

On Friday Premier John Horgan announced young people leaving foster care will receive free tuition for all 25 public post-secondary institutions in B.C.

“We want youth in our care system to know we are looking out for them and that we believe in their potential. That’s why we are expanding access to post-secondary education for youth aging out of care so they can thrive, not just survive,” said Premier Horgan.

Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver says he’s pleased by Friday’s announcement.

“I welcome the government’s announcement that they are expanding the tuition waiver program for former youth in care to all 25 public post-secondary institutions in B.C.”, said Andrew Weaver.  “This decision has the potential to transform the lives of youth who grew up in care across B.C. Removing the financial barriers to further education empowers these young people to seize the opportunities that only education affords.”

The program was previously available at 11 public post-secondary institutions in the province.

Students must be 19 to 26 years old and have been in care a minimum of 24 months.

The cost of waiving tuition will be covered by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training for the remainder of fiscal 2017-18.