As part of this initiative, youth receive support from UBC and Aunt Leah’s staff to develop their educational plans as well as mentorship from other young adults who have experienced foster care. These mentors have either completed or are currently pursuing post-secondary education. This is an amazing opportunity for participants to see themselves reflected in others who have overcome similar barriers. Many may be the first in their families to attend college.
Jonathan Lopez, a long-term Aunt Leah’s volunteer and UBC Advisor, explains that although UBC has Enrolment Service Advisors in its faculties, youth from care often hesitate to approach large institutions. They feel more comfortable seeking support from Aunt Leah’s staff and peers, who can offer the guidance they need to succeed.
Jonathan’s advocacy and dedication to Aunt Leah’s youth has been instrumental in this partnership. Shayla Walker, Program Manager of UBC’s Community-University Engagement Support Fund, shares why they chose to support this project. “We were drawn to the clear focus on serving Former Youth in Care, an equity-deserving group with a well-documented need for support in pursuing post-secondary education. The program’s aim to create pathways that connect youth with mentors and individuals who share similar lived experiences is crucial. We were impressed by the deep, established relationship between UBC and Aunt Leah’s, built on prior collaborations, and the co-applicant’s strong understanding of Aunt Leah’s inner workings from their previous volunteer and project work. This long-standing engagement ensures that the program is not only relevant but also built on insights gained through meaningful prior experience.
Our hope is that this grant will further support the young people Aunt Leah’s serves by creating more robust mentoring relationships and support systems that will help them navigate the complexities of post-secondary education. By fostering these connections, the program provides not only educational pathways but also a sense of belonging, which is critical to their success. In addition, we look forward to seeing how this initiative will capture valuable insights through its findings, helping to inform future educational supports, both within UBC and beyond.”
We are incredibly grateful to Jonathan and UBC for their support and can’t wait to share the journeys of our youth as they pursue their academic goals!
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