Youth in care face special academic challenges. They may have experienced difficult childhoods where academics were not a priority. They may have moved several times, changed schools or generally experienced a lack of stability in their lives that made school success more difficult for them and placed them at risk for dropping out.

We are pleased to report that more and more youth are overcoming these and other obstacles. They are honour students, valedictorians and active in school activities and in the community. They are staying in school, graduating and aspiring to post secondary education and career training.

Neither FACS nor their foster parents receive funding for their post secondary education needs. Most no longer have contact with, or support from their families of origin. Only through our Bursary Program, funded by the Foundation and the generous support of the community are we able to provide the financial assistance they need to achieve their dreams for the future.

Since 1993, we have awarded 137 bursaries totaling $247 800 to 76 youth pursuing careers in law enforcement, business and accounting, technology and a variety of professions and trades. They are attending Brock University, Niagara College and other institutions of learning here in Niagara, in Ontario and further a field.

Bursaries are generally awarded in increments of $2 500 and presented at FACS' Annual Meeting in June of each year. Recipients and sponsors are invited to participate in the presentations. If you would like to make a contribution to our Bursary Fund, sponsor a bursary or find out more, please contact the Foundation Office.

Bursaries are supported by a number of memorial and endowed funds, annual contributions and special events.