Category: Education

Resources and Strategies for Indigenous Youth

by Sebastian Hable

Indigenous youth in foster care face unique challenges but also have incredible opportunities to build skills and connections that empower them to thrive. Whether you’re focusing on education, life skills, or mental health, there are resources and strategies to help you navigate this journey.

1. Education: Your Path, Your Future

Education can open doors to a brighter future. If you’re in foster care, you might be eligible for bursaries or grants designed for Indigenous youth. Look into programs like the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program or scholarships specific to Indigenous students. Remember, it’s okay to take your time to figure out what you want to pursue—there’s no one “right” path.

2. Building Life Skills

From managing your money to preparing for independent living, life skills are essential. Start small by learning how to budget your expenses or cook simple meals. Many community organizations offer workshops tailored for youth in care, where you can practice these skills in a supportive environment.

3. Mental Health: Prioritize Yourself

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to face it alone. There are culturally relevant mental health supports available, such as counseling services rooted in Indigenous traditions. Talking to a trusted Elder or support worker can also help you find balance and connection to your identity.

4. Peer Connections: You’re Not Alone

Finding others who understand your experience can be empowering. Consider joining a youth group or online community for Indigenous foster youth. These spaces offer a chance to share your story, learn from others, and build lasting friendships.

5. Your Resilience is Your Strength

As an Indigenous youth, you carry a legacy of resilience. Despite the systemic barriers you may face, there are resources, people, and organizations ready to support you. Lean into your strengths, ask for help when you need it, and remember—you have the power to shape your future. You’re not on this journey alone. Whether you’re looking to continue your education, find housing, or build stronger connections, there are people and programs out there to guide you every step of the way.

Apply for the RCMP Troop 17 Scholarship!

The RCMP’s Troop 17 Scholarship was established to recognize students who have made significant efforts toward the prevention of bullying and harassment in their schools and/or communities. Up to five scholarships in the amount of $1000 are awarded annually to full-time college or university students.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  2. be enrolled in a full-time accredited Canadian college or university
  3. demonstrate they have made significant efforts in preventing bullying and harassment in their schools and/or communities
  4. explain how they continue to promote anti-harassment and anti-bullying principles in their schools and/or communities

Deadline

Applications will be accepted from January 15, 2025 until April 30, 2025.

Visit this page for more information: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/troop-17-scholarship#s3

Make a Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada 2025-26 Scholarship Application Today!

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada post-secondary scholarships award young people $5,000 for each academic year until they finish their program (to a maximum of 7 years from their program start) through a once yearly competitive application for 300 awards. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 3rd, 2025.

If you are starting or continuing in full time studies in the 2025-26 academic year, and aren’t already receiving a CAFC Scholarship ($5,000 a year)*, apply here for the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada Scholarship today!

Visit our website for the link to the online application form, full eligibility information and answers to the most asked questions, or contact the Foundation’s PSE team at grants@cafdn.org.

Scholarship applications are open to youth with both financial need and the potential to succeed in their program of study. To be eligible, a student must be:

  • Be attending a post-secondary institution full-time or on a reduced schedule due to an academic accommodation, for a full school year starting in September 2025 or January 2026
  • Have been or will be in the temporary or permanent care of the Ministry or Department responsible for child protection services up until your age of majority birthday or had been in permanent care of the Ministry or Department responsible for child protection services for at least 12 months
  • Are under the age of 30 if you have or are currently receiving Foundation supports, or,
  • Are over the age of 30 and currently receiving a Foundation bursary ($2000) or have not received a CAFC Scholarship or Bursary before
  • Not currently receiving a CAFC Scholarship*

*Current 2024-25 CAFC Scholarship recipients do not need to make a new scholarship application.

If you aren’t sure if you are currently receiving a CAFC Scholarship or bursary or have any questions about the application form, process, or eligibility, we can help!

Email grants@cafdn.org with your questions and visit our website for more information and the application link.

Current and Former Youth in Extended Care Eligible for Annual Bursaries at Trent University

Students who have been or are in extended society care and demonstrate financial need are eligible to receive $3,000 in bursary funding during each academic year ($1,500 in each of the fall and winter terms).

How to Apply 

Eligible students are required to complete the UG Bursary Application at the beginning of each term. The application will be available on the Finances page of the myTrent Student Portal. 

To be eligible, students must be: 

  • In receipt of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding, Government Student aid from another Canadian province, Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), or First Nations Band Funding  
  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons as defined by Citizenship and Immigration Canada   
  • Enrolled in an undergraduate program at Trent University and enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load (or 40% for students with permanent disability status)  
  • A current or former youth in extended society care

Willsy’s Extended Society Care Fund  

The Willsy’s Extended Society Care Fund, created through the generosity of Elizabeth Wills-Edwards ’08, provides an annual bursary of up to $4,000 for students who lived under Extended Society Care.

Preference will be given, but not limited to, mature students who are at least 24 years of age and there is no restriction on the students’ academic year or field of study.

An application will be available on the Finances page of the myTrent Student Portal beginning in June each year. The annual deadline to apply is July 31.

Learn more about Willsy’s Extended Society Care Fund.

Support for Students who have been or are in extended society care

Transitioning to University can be made easier with the right support. We have resources that are specifically designed to help you reach your full potential, while providing you with the foundation, guidance and support you need.

Learn more about Support for Students who have been or are in extended society care.

Apply for a free 2-day Trades training!

Are you 18+ with lived experience in the child welfare system? Discover your passion for Ontario’s skilled trades!

The Trades Ready Youth 2-Day Workshop entails:

  • Construction Industry Certifications
  • Hands-on training for entry-level Electrical apprentice skills (Wiring, VR, etc.)
  • Mentorship sessions
  • Networking opportunities

Coffee, light snacks and lunch will be provided. Hard hat and work boots included.

Date and Time: Feb. 4 and 5, 2025, 8 am – 4 pm

Address: IBEW Local 804 5158 Fountain St N, Breslau, ON

Register now at: Give the Trades a TRY! | Child Welfare PAC.

Voices Scholarship Program 2024 – 2025

The Voices Scholarship Program consists of five awards: The Voices Bursary, the Marie Christian Award, the Reaching for the Stars Scholarship, the Honouring Our Youth Scholarship, and the Kiwiytin Scholarship:

The Voices Bursary is made possible through the fundraising efforts of Voices members and staff, and donations from the public.  Administered by The Winnipeg Foundation, this award of $1000 is given to a youth in or from care from any community in Manitoba, in recognition and celebration of how far you’ve come, and where you’re headed.

The Marie Christian Award (also known as the Lemonade Award) is a $1000 award is given to youth in or from care who embody leadership qualities including integrity, compassion, kindness, and bold audacity. Additional consideration will be given to youth who exhibit a positive attitude and determination to take sour circumstances and create delicious opportunities.

The Reaching for the Stars Scholarship, valued at $500, will be awarded to one female recipient in or from care in Manitoba who is attending post-secondary education, to help that young woman reach for the stars and obtain her highest aspirations.  The scholarship is sponsored by Chapter H of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Honouring Our Youth Scholarship, valued at $1000, is sponsored by the Child and Youth Care Workers Association of Manitoba (CYCWAM), a non-profit, volunteer association of child and youth care workers in the province of Manitoba.

The Kiwiytin Scholarship, is valued at $2000. This award is given to students in or from care who have a clear sense of their Kiwiytin (their North Star) and are taking steps in the right direction towards achieving their dreams.

https://voices.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024-2025-Voices-Scholarship-Application.pdf

Remember to save your copy to your device before filling it in. If you would prefer a paper copy be mailed to you, send us an email at ask@voices.mb.ca.  Application deadline: September 23rd, 2024.

Support to Action Webinars: Free and Online

Employment Ontario is offering free online webinars geared towards educational liaisons, case workers, independence workers, child and youth workers, child welfare system staff who support youth, foster parents, adoptive parents, youth in transition workers and community partners who support at risk youth.

You will learn

  • What is the Trades Ready Youth Program by Child welfare PAC
  • What is a trade and what is an apprenticeship
  • What it means to be “Trades Ready”
  • What are the five things that a youth can do to be a trades ready youth?

Presenter experience includes:

  • Retired Director of Service, Child and Family Services
  • Apprenticeship Youth Advisor
  • Education Specialist in Apprenticeship Pathways

Date and Time:

  • September 17 at 3:00 – 4:15 pm
  • September 18 at 7:00 – 8:15 pm

45 minute presentation & 30 min question and answer session.

Register now at Support to Action Webinars | Trades Ready Youth (childwelfarepac.com)

Clark Bursary Award Program

OACAS is pleased to announce the reopening of the Clark Bursary Award and new eligibility criteria for 2024 applications. OACAS administers the Clark Bursary Award Program on behalf of the Ron and Nancy Clark Foundation.

Award applications will be accepted from July 15 until August 31. Applicants may be eligible to receive a $2,000 Clark Bursary Award, paid in one lump sum. 

All award decisions will be made on a first come first served basis for those youth who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be 30 years of age or under at the time of application.
  • Be/have been in the care of an Ontario children’s aid society or an Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency.
  • Be in, entering, or graduating from a post-secondary educational activity (trade, apprenticeship, or university or college program) OR
  • Be 18+ and completing secondary school credits through an adult learning centre or credit completion program.
  • Provide proof of educational activity (class schedule, transcript, graduation diploma, certificate, invoice, or other proof of an expense related to education, training, or certification). The activity must be current, planned for the next semester, or within the 12 months before submission.

Click here to register and apply. See here for more details.

If you have any question regarding the Clark Bursary Awards program, contact awards@oacas.org.

Please know that your information is collected and used for the sole purpose of administering the Clark Bursary program. If you’d like to withdraw your consent at any time or discuss how it is being used, contact awards@oacas.org.

Additional Financial Support

Youth in Care Tuition Bursary at Seneca College

On May 14, 2021, Seneca launched a tuition bursary that will pay tuition for current or former youth in extended society care who are pursuing their first postsecondary credential. In addition to financial support, interested youth can be matched with a Seneca staff member who will support them throughout their program and assist them in accessing resources such as mentoring, tutoring and academic advising.

Eligibility

There is no age cap for this bursary. The applicant must be a current or former youth in extended society care (Crown ward) or Customary Care (including Voluntary Youth Service Agreements), not adopted, who has been in the care of an Ontario Children’s Aid Society for a minimum of 12 months (consecutive or cumulative) as defined by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) of Ontario. The applicant must also demonstrate financial need and must be applying for their first postsecondary credential.

Bursary Value

This bursary is valued at the total amount of tuition fees for any Seneca diploma, degree or certificate program. The bursary will be renewed each academic year until graduation, provided the recipient has fulfilled all program requirements (i.e. maintained a full-time course load, met the minimum grade requirements, etc.) and continues to demonstrate financial need.

What is a youth in extended society care?

A youth in extended society care (also referred to as a foster child or a Crown ward) is a youth who is placed in the care and custody of the Children’s Aid Society when it has been determined that they can no longer live with their birth parents, and that a better and less restrictive option (such as placing the child with relatives) is not available. The province accepts all rights and responsibilities for the youth until they turn 18, get married or are adopted.

When is the deadline for current or prospective students to apply for this bursary?

  • Sept. 20, 2024 for the Fall 2024 Term
  • Jan. 17, 2025 for the Winter 2025 Term

The criteria to apply are as follows:

  • must be a current or former youth in extended society care (Crown ward) or Customary Care (including Voluntary Youth Service Agreements), not adopted, who has been in care for a minimum of 12 months in the Ontario care system
  • must apply to Seneca through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) and receive an offer of admission before applying for the bursary (prospective students may contact Recruitment by email at YouthinCare@senecapolytechnic.ca to discuss program options)
  • must be pursuing first postsecondary credential
  • must be applying for full-time studies (at least 66 per cent course load) in a day program
  • must submit an Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) application every academic year
  • must demonstrate financial need
  • must apply for the bursary prior to the start of studies (current students are welcome to apply for the upcoming semester)

Current Seneca students application can email YouthinCare@senecapolytechnic.ca to indicate your intent to apply for the bursary, and Judy Pattison, Student Recruitment Liaison Officer, will help you through the process.

Prospective students who are interested in the bursary must first apply to Seneca through OCAS and be accepted to a program before applying for the bursary (students may contact Recruitment by email at YouthinCare@senecapolytechnic.ca to discuss program options).

For more information, please check out: Youth in Care Tuition Bursary | Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries | Seneca Students (senecapolytechnic.ca).