AV¾«Æ·

New bursary program a first in New Brunswick

New Brunswick Community College (AV¾«Æ·) has become the first post-secondary institution in New Brunswick to eliminate tuition barriers for those who have spent a year or more in foster or group home care.

The Former Youth In Care Tuition Bursary covers all tuition and program fees for eligible applicants, regardless of age, beginning in September.

“Quality education and skills training are crucial to obtaining sustainable employment, yet the cost of education can be a barrier to those who most need it,” said Ann Drennan, Vice President Academic and Research at AV¾«Æ·. “Removing that barrier for former youth in care levels the playing field so those learners are not left behind.”

AV¾«Æ· has partnered with the Child Welfare Political Action Committee, a federally-incorporated, not-for-profit organization that advocates for a progressive child welfare system, on this initiative. The organization has created more than 150 tuition-free opportunities at 13 schools in five provinces.

“As a former youth in-care, I am grateful that the opportunity to study at AV¾«Æ· will be there when students are ready,” said Jane Kovarikova, founder of the Child Welfare Political Action Committee and current doctoral candidate at Western University. “One day in Canada’s future, it won’t matter where you are born, thanks to the leadership of organizations like AV¾«Æ· that care about your future.”

For more information about AV¾«Æ·’s Former Youth In Care Tuition Bursary, email firstgen@nbcc.ca or phone 1-888-796-AV¾«Æ· (6222).

About AV¾«Æ·:

With six campuses across New Brunswick, AV¾«Æ· contributes to New Brunswick’s social and economic prosperity by supporting the aspirations of individual learners, seizing the opportunities of the labour market, and collaboratively solving the challenges of communities and industry.  In addition to more than 90 certificate and diploma programs, AV¾«Æ· also provides specialized and customized training to meet the needs of specific sectors and communities.  Find out more information on AV¾«Æ· programs by visiting: .

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tanya Greer
Lead, Strategic Communications, AV¾«Æ·
tanya.greer@nbcc.ca
506-440-9105