Soon it will be time for books, backpacks and back to school - and some B.C. youth formerly in government care are getting an extra boost from a bursary funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

The ministry is providing $1.4 million this year to fuel B.C.'s Youth Education Assistance Fund (YEAF), a program that supports post-secondary education and training for youth between the ages of 19 and 24 who are no longer in permanent care.

This year, eligible students can receive bursary awards of $5,500 for tuition, books, fees or living expenses at designated post-secondary and vocational institutions.

Since the fund was created in 2002, the ministry has contributed over $7.4 million to the YEAF program. The bursaries have helped more than 900 youth formerly in permanent care to pursue their post-secondary and vocational goals.

The YEAF program is administered in partnership with the Victoria Foundation and the Ministry of Advanced Education.

Quick Facts:

• Bursaries are available to B.C. youth formerly in permanent care who are enrolled in a post-secondary program that is at least 12 weeks long and leads to a diploma, certificate or degree.
• Students must be studying full time, or with a reduced course load for students with a permanent disability.
• Eligible students can receive a bursary once each educational year and up to a maximum of four times.
• The awards do not have to be repaid.
• Applications are accepted at any time during the year.

Learn More:

Downloadable audio of Minister McNeil: soundcloud.com/bcgov/minister-mcneil-youth

YEAF program: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/other_services/yeaf/index.htm

Apply for a bursary: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/specialprograms/yeaf.htm

Victoria Foundation: Call 250 381-5532, or visit: www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca/web/

Contact:

Cindy Rose
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639