Former kids in care need more support to make good use of free tuition, researcher says
Former youth in care face numerous barriers to higher education, with less than half of Canadians who have experienced foster care completing high school, let alone pursuing post-secondary education. Jacquie Gahagan, the associate vice-president of research at Mount Saint Vincent University, has been conducting a three-year research project on this topic. Gahagan’s study focuses on the experiences of former foster youth utilizing free tuition programs at various universities in Atlantic Canada.
During Gahagan’s research, common areas of concern have emerged, including housing and food security, transportation, access to technology, and mental health. Gahagan emphasizes that the solution to supporting these individuals will vary depending on their unique experiences in care. While universities should provide assistance where possible, non-profits, community groups, and government entities also have a role to play in ensuring the success of former youth in care.
In Nova Scotia, tuition-waiver programs have been implemented at institutions such as the Nova Scotia Community College, Mount Saint Vincent University, St. Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, and the University of King’s College. These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden for former youth in care pursuing higher education. However, NDP MLA Lisa Lachance highlights the need for additional support services during the educational journey.
The Nova Scotia government offers financial assistance to former youth in care for up to six years after aging out of the system. This support gradually decreases from $20,000 annually to $10,000 per year, with programs also available for social and career support. Lachance suggests expanding these services to better assist individuals in achieving their educational goals.
Tracey Thomas, deputy minister for the Nova Scotia Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government departments to address the needs of former youth in care. By working together in a culturally responsive manner, government entities can enhance the support system for these individuals.
Overall, the research conducted by Gahagan sheds light on the challenges faced by former youth in care and underscores the importance of comprehensive support systems to ensure their success in higher education. By implementing a national standard and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, we can create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all individuals, regardless of their background.
