Advocacy for policy change in post-secondary education

This grant will support Child Welfare PAC to support their advocacy activities – especially these related to post-secondary access for those raised in state care. Vulnerable minorities like Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and newcomers are over-represented in foster systems and the majority of foster children also experience poverty, yet, post-secondary access remains riddled with financial and psychological barriers for those raised in care. To contribute to a solution that addresses financial barriers for this group, Child Welfare PAC seeks to obtain commitments from post-secondary institutions for tuition waivers. They have already begun this important work with minimal resources and significant out-of-pocket costs for transportation, technology, printed resources, and time. To date, Laurentian, Georgian, and Loyalist have committed to 10, 15, and 16 funded spots for former and current youth-in-care respectively. These commitments represent a renewing 41 lives that can be changed forever by this policy.

Alignment with the 5 Year Strategic Plan: The advocacy for policy change in post-secondary education project aligns with our strategic plan in that this project will provide access for youth in care to gain access to post-secondary education. It also aligns with Objective 3 within the strategy which refers to ensuring the efforts of our grantees and youth with lived experience are recognized and contribute to lasting change.