The University of Regina Former Youth from Care Access Tuition Entrance Bursary is expanding to include free accommodations within University owned and operated residences.
The University of Regina’s motto “As One Who Serves” defines our relationships with our students, communities, and society. In 2015, the University, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services (MSS), and the Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network (SYCCN) announced two new bursaries exemplifying this motto:
- The University of Regina Former Youth from Care Access Tuition Entrance Bursary (FYFCB) provides tuition and fees (for up to two terms) for students who received services from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services or a Saskatchewan First Nations Child and Family Services Agency for a cumulative minimum of 12 months when they were between the ages of 13 and 21.
- The University of Regina Former Child and Youth from Care Access Entrance Bursary (FC&YFCB) provides $1,500 ($1,000 for tuition and $500 for books/food services) for one term, to students who had spent any amount of time in care or received services from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services or a Saskatchewan First Nations Child and Family Services Agency.
One of the students receiving the FYFCB this Fall 2022 term is Kaylee Lambert, who is taking the Pre-Social Work program offered by the Faculty of Social Work. Kaylee became a ward of the state at 15 and lived in a number of group homes until last year when she turned 18.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive this bursary and to have this opportunity to go to the University of Regina,” says Lambert. “It means a lot to me, it shows that I’m worthy and people believe in me. I don’t have any family support to help me or rely on, so this bursary is allowing me to pursue my goals.
“Going to University is important to me as I have younger siblings and I want to serve as a role model to them. Also through my personal experience with Social Services I feel there are many areas that can be improved, which is why I want to work in this area.”
Starting in Fall 2022, students receiving the FYFCB will also be offered the full cost of housing rental fees, excluding meal plans, within University of Regina owned and operated residences for up to two terms. Housing rental fees will be covered provided the student is registered in a minimum of nine credit hours in the Fall or Winter terms, or six credit hours in the Spring/Summer term.
“Since I already have accommodations, I am not going to be taking advantage of the offer to stay in a University residence for free,” says Lambert. “However, I feel this would be a tremendous support for many students receiving the bursary, especially those who are not from Regina, basically they’ll only need to worry about having to feed themselves.”
To be eligible for the FYFCB, undergraduate students must also meet the following criteria:
Be entering the University of Regina for the first time
- Have completed no more than 23 credit hours from another post-secondary institution
- Be between the ages of 18-25 at the start of the term the award is presented
- Register and remain registered in a minimum of nine credit hours in the semester the award is presented
- Demonstrate financial need
- Demonstrate career goals
Students may receive only one of either the FYFCB or the FC&YFCB and only once per student. To receive the FYFCB for a second term, students must achieve a minimum UGPA of 60 per cent in the first term.
“Recognizing the profound positive impact that post-secondary education has on students and their career and life outcomes, the University is pleased to expand the Former Youth from Care bursary,” said University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen. “Providing this increased support is the right thing to do to help our students attend our University and achieve their post-secondary goals.”
For additional information on this bursary, other scholarships/awards, and to apply, check out SAMS (Student Awards Management System), the U of R database for undergraduate awards, or contact Student Awards and Financial Assistance by email at safa@uregina.ca or by phone at 306-585-4591.
Banner image: U of R Photography
The University has committed to creating a healthy campus community and learning environment in its 2020-25 strategic plan All Our Relations, or kahkiyaw kiwȃhkomȃkȃninawak in Cree. Well-being and Belonging is one of the five areas of focus in the plan, with three interconnected objectives within it: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Healthy Living; and Mental Health Literacy and Research.