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By Craig Leroux, Senior Communications Officer

Queen’s University is among the Ontario postsecondary institutions that have partnered with the Government of Ontario in the new 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care program.

The partnership will see the full cost of tuition, up to $6,000 for four years, covered for current and former Crown Wards and youth leaving the care of children’s aid societies.

“A university education is a transformative experience, developing life-long skills,” says John Metcalfe, Queen’s University Registrar. “Queen’s is a proud partner in this new initiative, which will increase the accessibility of a university education. We hope that it will mean even more prospective students associated with Family and Children’s Services, both locally and across the province, will apply and enrol at post-secondary institutions, including Queen’s.”

The new 100% Tuition Aid partnership will see Queen’s University pay half the cost of tuition, with the Government of Ontario covering the other half through its Access Grant for Crown Wards and the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant. In addition, the government will provide a “Living and Learning Grant” of $500 per month to youth leaving care, aged 21 to 24, who enrol in Ontario Student Assistance Program eligible postsecondary programs.

"We're thrilled that the provincial government has listened to the advocacy of youth in care on this issue and taken action. These are kids who have experienced many disadvantages. We've tried hard to make sure that they fulfill their educational potential. This announcement will really make a difference. We want to thank our partners at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and other Ontario universities and colleges for helping us build a better future for these youth," says Steve Woodman, Executive Director of Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.

The program is expected to provide assistance to 850 eligible postsecondary students across the province, including Leah Woodcox, a Queen’s Arts and Science student entering her second year.

“Attending university can be a financial burden, but it’s a great foundation for the future,” says Ms. Woodcox, who is working at Queen’s this summer and hopes to eventually pursue a master’s degree in social work. “The 100% Tuition Aid program will make a difference to a lot of students, including myself.”