TORONTO, ONTARIO – Humber Polytechnic, in partnership with CWPAC, has introduced the “Students In and From Care” bursary to help reduce barriers to post-secondary education for youth with lived experience in the care system.
“Students In and From Care” refers to young people who have lived in foster homes, group homes, or with relatives - often due to family challenges, involvement with child welfare, or special needs.
The initiative expands eligibility for the $2,000 annual bursary to include students who do not receive aid through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
“At Humber, we recognize that youth who are or have been in the care system may face unique barriers to accessing and succeeding in post-secondary education,” said Ian Crookshank, Associate Vice-President of Learner and Career Success and Dean of Students at Humber Polytechnic. “Through our “Students In and From Care” initiative, we provide comprehensive wraparound support designed to empower these learners throughout their educational journey and beyond.”
In addition to financial support, a Student Success Advisor from Humber’s Advising & Career Services will provide ongoing guidance to eligible students, connecting them with external funding opportunities and serving as a consistent point of contact for academic and career support. Services include résumé building, interview preparation, and referrals to campus learning resources and experiential learning opportunities.
“Providing financial and staff support demonstrates a commitment by Humber Polytechnic to equity and opening doors to youth from care towards a bright future,” said Ingrid Palmer, Chair of the Board of Child Welfare PAC. “For young people in and from care who lack many supports this mentorship and support can make the world of difference to help students complete their studies successfully.”
Eligibility and application details are available on Humber’s website.
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About Humber Polytechnic
As Canada’s largest and most comprehensive polytechnic, Humber builds what has yet to be imagined. With credentials from short-cycle diplomas to baccalaureate and master’s degrees, polytechnics are designed for speed, for relevance, and for impact. Humber can adapt quickly, respond directly to industry needs, and convert knowledge into tangible outcomes for learners, employers, and partners. This combination of program relevance and applied research drives meaningful change in local and global communities. We empower our students to discover their edge and reach their full potential, Building Brilliance every day. Visit humber.ca to learn more.
About Child Welfare PAC
The Child Welfare PAC is a federal charity that represents the interests of
children raised by the government. The advisory committee consists of
professionals from academia, law, business, advocacy & public service
who have lived experience in child protection systems.
The complete advocacy agenda may be reviewed here: www.childwelfarepac.com
For more information, please contact:
Chad Derrick
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber Polytechnic
chad.derrick@humber.ca / 416-729-8940
Ingrid Palmer
Chair
Child Welfare PAC
ingridwp2000@yahoo.ca / 647-656-3925