This program awards bursaries to youth in care to support their post-secondary education.
Youth
who are or have been in the care of the Children’s Aid Society face
different challenges than most youth entering adulthood. Many of these
youth live independently on limited financial resources. They do not
have a stable family to turn to for support. For some youth, the
opportunity to attend post‐secondary school is not a viable option or is daunting for several reasons including the cost.
The Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex
Bright Futures Bursary Program provides bursaries youth
who are or who have been in the care of
the Children’s Aid Society without being adopted. The existence of this important Fund helps to
highlight the value of post‐secondary education and encourage youth to
aspire to such a goal.
Research
indicates that a youth in care who is able to worry less about their
debts and financial challenges has a better chance of achieving their
educational goals. We have seen an increase in confidence and optimism
in our bursary recipients, which enables them to complete their
education, become employed in meaningful work in adulthood.
The
distinguishing difference of the Children’s Aid Society of London &
Middlesex Bright Futures Bursary Program from other bursary programs in
the community is that bursaries are awarded only to youth who are, or
were part of the child welfare system.
Bursaries are provided annually to youth enrolled in community college, university, or an accredited
trades/apprenticeship program until they achieve their diploma/degree/certificate. Since
the programs’ inception in 2002, the Bursary Program has assisted more than 200 youth. Their determination and ability to overcome adversities in pursuit of a
better future are truly commendable.
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