Education

Post-Secondary Applications are submitted online to OUAC for University applications or Ontario Colleges for College applications. You can apply early for a better chance to be considered. For equal consideration, University applications are due January 15th and College applications are due February 1st. Please see the links below for both of these Applications:

https://www.ouac.on.ca

https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en

Fees

The Ontario Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program provides reimbursement for the fees associated with post-secondary applications for youth that are/were in care. This program will cover up to 5 program choices within your application. 

To apply for this program, you are required to fill out an application and submit a receipt showing your application fee payment. To find this application, please see the link below:

Ontario Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program

OECT

For additional information regarding applying to school, visit the website below for the Ontario Education Championship Team 

https://oect.ca

There are various programs, grants, and scholarships that can help with costs associated with post-secondary school. Below are some of these funding opportunities. You can also connect with the Financial Aid Office at the school you are going to for further support. 

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP provides eligible students with different types of assistance based on financial need. Once you have been accepted into the program of your choice, complete the OSAP application by the end of May.  Please see the link below for the OSAP application page:

OSAP Application

Grants and Scholarships 

When you apply to OSAP, you are automatically considered for various grants, including The Living and Learning Grant (LLG) which is offered to youth who have left the care of Children's Aid Society.

Children's Aid Society Specific Scholarships

The Children's Aid Society offers additional funding opportunities such as The Children's Aid Foundation of Canada Scholarship. The application for this scholarship can be found at the link below and is due by late February (see website for specific requirements and deadlines for each school year)

Children's Aid Foundation of Canada Scholarship

Family and Children's Services of Waterloo Region also offers scholarships for youth who have left care. There is no deadline to apply for this scholarship and the application can be found at the link below:

FACS of Waterloo Region Foundation Scholarship

Crown Ward Student Financial Assistance Programs

The Child Welfare Political Action Committee is working with partners across Canada to implement Crown Ward Student Financial Assistance Programs. Various schools within Ontario are currently participating in these programs. Each school has their own eligibility criteria and application processes. For more information on accessing this program, see the link below

Child Welfare PAC Financial Assistance Programs

Additional scholarship opportunities can be found at the following link:

Scholarships Canada

RESP

Talk to your worker to see if you have access to a Registered Education Savings Program (RESP) opened on your behalf. If applicable, to redeem the RESP, your worker will need proof of school enrollment and you must attend an approved post-secondary program. 

OECT

For additional information regarding funding for school, visit the website below for the Ontario Education Championship Team 

https://oect.ca

Below are various resources for youth working towards their high school / Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

Stay Home for School Program 

This program provides funding to caregivers so they can provide a stable home for youth to complete their education after turning 18, if they require more time to finish high school. The eligibility for this program includes: Youth must be 18 years or older, eligible for and participating in a Continued Care and Supports for Youth (CCSY) Program, enrolled and participating in high school, and registered in a minimum of two credit courses per semester 

To apply for this program, talk to your CAS worker.

Adult Learning: Ontario High School Diploma

This program  supports individuals 19 years or older who want to earn high school credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or need prerequisite credits to enter postsecondary education or apprenticeship training. Please see the link below for more information and/or to register 

Adult Learning

You Have Got options

There are lots of ways you can go back to school. This site will help you build a plan for your education goals. Together with your Family and Children Services (F&CS) worker and other adults in your life, you can get the schooling you need for the job or career you want. 

YouHaveGotOptions.ca   

Please see below, additional resources available to support youth throughout their educational journey.

StepStones' Youth Support Services Program

StepStones' Youth Support Services Program services youth aged 15-24 who are transitioning out of care with little to no support. This program includes educational support services where youth are connected to coordinators and mentors who assist them in developing education plans, advocating for accessibility services and accommodations, accessing critical academic support, and pursuing post-secondary education

Youth in Care Resource Portal

This website provides a wide variety of supports and services available to youth transitioning out of care who are hoping to attend post-secondary school. Please follow the link below to access the portal

Youth in Care Resource Portal

OECT

For additional information and support regarding education, visit the website below for the Ontario Education Championship Team 

https://oect.ca

Below are various education resources that provide support to Indigenous individuals:

Sioux Hudson Literacy Council Good learning Anywhere

This program provides online distance learning opportunities for adults in Ontario to assist them in upgrading their reading, writing, math, computer, and other essential skills so they can reach their educational and employment goals. Good Learning Anywhere is the Aboriginal Lead for eChannel and provides access to culturally relevant online learning. Courses can be taken at home or online from the community's local online learning centre. There is no charge for these courses. Please see the link below for more information and/or to register for courses:

Good Learning Anywhere

Indspire's Rivers to Success Program

This program provides a strong support system to ensure the sustained success of Indigenous students. Students will have access to Elders, Indigenous mentors, Indigenous Laureates, and Indigenous Building Brighter Futures alumni. Connecting with these resources will enable students to prioritize their own development, seek out exciting opportunities, and ultimately achieve success in their chosen fields. Please see the link below for more information and/or to register 

Indspire's Rivers to Success