Loyalist College supports youth in extended society care with $80k investment

Belleville, Ontario, July 23, 2020 – Today Loyalist College announced that current and former youth in extended care of a Children’s Aid Society are eligible to apply for a financial assistance waiver which covers the cost of tuition. The College’s $80,000 investment will support up to 16 individuals.

Quotes
“Postsecondary education paves pathways to better lives, especially for those who are most vulnerable and who will truly benefit from its transformative power. As a catalyst for socioeconomic development, education must be equitable, which means removing barriers to program access and attainment. Loyalist College is working closely with Children’s Aid Societies and Child Welfare PAC to empower current and former youth in extended society care to achieve successful personal and professional outcomes. We want these amazing individuals to know we care and we are here to help them advance, regardless of their age or stage in life.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO

“It’s great to see colleges and universities from across the province stepping up, including my alma mater, Loyalist College. The Child Welfare PAC has worked tirelessly to give individuals who are aging out of care or those who already have, an opportunity to attend postsecondary. This partnership will be life changing for children and youth in care, across Ontario.” – Hon. Todd Smith (Bay of Quinte), Minister of Children, Community and Social Services

“Loyalist’s commitment to social mobility for those raised in foster care is a game changer. Many youths face ongoing hardships after care. Tuition waivers without age limits level the playing field for this group long-term.” – Jane Kovarikova, Founder of Child Welfare PAC and former foster child

“On behalf of Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies, we are pleased to hear about Loyalist College’s commitment to invest in both current and former youth in care, regardless of their age. We know that young people leaving care often face financial limitations and systemic barriers that can prevent them from pursuing postsecondary education. It’s wonderful to see how Loyalist College is stepping up to reduce these barriers and support current and former youth in care to succeed.” – Nicole Bonnie, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies

“As the local children’s aid in the jurisdiction of Loyalist College, I am delighted to have the ongoing support of the College as they offer a significant hand up to previous and current young people who have been in the extended care of our or another Children’s Aid Society. Loyalist College has partnered previously with us and the Children’s Foundation to support youth pursuing all levels of education and this is a further example of their role in helping individuals to achieve their goals.  Our staff and the youth are grateful for all of the support Loyalist College has and continues to provide.” – Tami Callahan, Executive Director, Highland Shores Children’s Aid

“This is great news and a fantastic opportunity to help current and former youth in extended care of Children’s Aid Society pursue a top notch education at Loyalist College and compliment the support we at The Children’s Foundation provide through our bursary program. More doors open for those who need it!” – Kim Henry, Executive Director, The Children’s Foundation

Eligibility Details
To be eligible for the financial assistance waiver, applicants must have been in extended society care in Ontario for a minimum of one year and must self-identify through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) application process. Individuals must apply for non-repayable grant funding through OSAP each academic year but are not required to apply for or accept loan funding which is dependent on the start date of their program (September or January). Applicants must also provide a completed Verification of Status with Ontario’s Children’s Aid Society form, available on OSAP’s website, as well as a letter from the Children’s Aid Society which indicates the length of time they have been or were in extended society care. Priority will be given to first-time applicants. Applicants must have exhausted any other type of government funding available. For more information, contact finaid@loyalistcollege.com.

About Loyalist College
Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.