Nipissing University and Canadore College to offer tuition waiver for youth in care
North Bay, ON – Nipissing University and Canadore College are helping to improve access to post-secondary education for youth placed in the care of the Canadian Children’s Aid Society with the launch of a new tuition waiver. Nipissing and Canadore will each offer up to five tuition and fee waivers per year to individuals currently or formerly in foster care.
“This is a very important initiative for Canadore College as we continue to look for ways to reduce barriers to post-secondary education,” said George Burton, President and CEO, Canadore College. “Finances are one reason this group is traditionally under-represented on college campuses. We know a college education leads to better life outcomes, and providing this tuition relief will allow Canadore to make their dream of a college education a reality.”
“Education is a powerful tool that contributes to physical, intellectual, emotional and social health as well as future earning potential,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University. “Youth in care face many obstacles and much uncertainty in their lives, so it is our hope that by removing the financial barriers to attending university it will open up new possibilities that they may have previously thought were out of reach. We strive to be an accessible university and look forward to welcoming these students to Nipissing and supporting them in their transition to university.”
The waivers will cover tuition and ancillary fees as well as the cost of the application fee through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) or the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS), and are renewable for up to four years as long as progression requirements are met. Both high school applicants and mature students are eligible to apply.
“Youth in care are less likely to pursue post-secondary education and experience higher unemployment rates,” said Nancy Lafrance Rich, Director of Service, Children’s Aid Society of Nipissing Parry Sound. “Removing financial barriers can mean the difference between a life in poverty or a life of prosperity. This is truly an amazing opportunity. These youth simply do not have the same opportunities and face unique challenges. By providing equitable access to educational opportunities, we can enrich their lives and help them reach their full potential.”
Casey Hardman, former youth in care and author of 13 Years Fostered, shared his perspectives on what it means to have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education:
“Once I left foster care, there was always a fear created within myself because I never knew if I would be able to get into a post-secondary school. These concerns were so great, the fear I felt became stronger than the desire to try. Being someone who spent thirteen years in and out of foster care, having even just one aspect of life, especially one to better yourself, means everything.”
More information on the Youth in Care Waiver can be found at:
- Canadore College www.canadorecollege.ca/youthincare
- Nipissing University www.nipissingu.ca/youthincare
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Nipissing University Media Contact:
Meghan Venasse
Manager, Communications
Nipissing University
705-474-3450 ext. 4615
meghanv@nipissingu.ca
Canadore College Media Contact:
Cindy Males
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Canadore College
705-475-2538
Cindy.Males@canadorecollege.ca
