About the Program
The Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF) is a leading initiative preventing youth homelessness in British Columbia, and was recognized with an Honourable Mention at the 2025 Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Prevention Awards
Operated by United Way British Columbia, the program ensures that young people leaving government care have the financial support needed to pursue post-secondary education. It removes major financial barriers by covering essential costs such as rent, food, technology, and childcare. This support allows former youth in care to focus on their studies and build stable, independent futures. Each year, graduates enter the workforce with stronger earning potential and greater housing stability. Their success shows that education is one of the most effective long-term strategies for preventing youth homelessness.
“The fund is about restoring hope, providing stability, and showing young people that we have their back.” – Trisha Dulku, Strategic Initiatives Manager at United Way British Columbia
How the Program Fills Critical Gaps In Services
In British Columbia, many young people leaving government care lose housing, income, and support the moment they turn 19. Provincial programs like the Tuition Waiver help cover tuition, but they do not address daily living costs. Without help paying for rent or food, youth often face an impossible choice: continue their education or keep a roof over their head. The Youth Futures Education Fund fills this gap by providing low-barrier financial support for basic needs. This allows youth to stay in school, stay housed, and work toward long-term stability.
“Without this support, many youth are forced to choose between paying rent and pursuing education.”
How and Why the Program Was Created
The idea for YFEF came from young people who spoke about the fear of aging out of care with no safety net. Educators also watched promising students drop out because of financial stress. United Way BC, the Vancouver Foundation, Coast Capital, and the Province of BC saw this pattern and created a solution. They understood that tuition waivers open the door, but true opportunity requires stability. YFEF was built on the belief that every young person deserves not just access to education, but the means to build a secure future.
“Education is one of the biggest factors of long-term stability.”
Program Impact
YFEF measures its impact through credentials earned and futures strengthened. More than 4,200 students have accessed the fund, and over 71% have graduated.
One young woman offers a powerful example. She was sleeping in her car before receiving support. YFEF helped her cover living costs and provided the technology she needed for school. She graduated and is now pursuing a career as a child psychologist.
“If we invest in our young people so that they feel safe, it’s a night-and-day change for us as a society—they end up giving back.”
Why This Prevention Work Is So Important
The Youth Futures Education Fund exists to prevent crisis before it begins. Without this support, thousands of young people aging out of care each year would face immediate risk. Many would lose housing, skip meals, or leave school to survive. These pressures create long-term instability and increase reliance on emergency systems. YFEF shows that early investment—helping youth stay in school, stay housed, and stay connected—builds stronger and more equitable communities.
“Investing in youth early will always cost less than trying to repair harm later — it pays dividends down the line.”
Lessons for Other Communities
For communities interested in preventing youth homelessness, Trisha shares three key lessons:
- Be Collaborative: Bring together partners from government, education, philanthropy, and finance.
- Design for Compassion: Create flexible, non-judgmental programs that offer support with dignity.
- Listen to Lived Experience: Ensure young people who have been in care shape every major decision.
“We learned that success happens when you bring people from different sectors to the table — including donor dollars and financial institutions.”
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About the 2025 Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Prevention Awards
The Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Prevention Awards, presented by Canada Life and co-led by A Way Home Canada and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, celebrate programs across Canada making real progress in preventing youth homelessness.
Note: This blog post is part of a blog series highlighting the winners and honourable mentions of the MtS Youth Homelessness Prevention Award Winners. To learn about the award winners for 2025, read our blog here and here.