Improving Access to Post-Secondary Education Among Care-Experienced Youth: A Qualitative Exploration of Tuition Waiver Programs in Atlantic Canada
Abstract
Access to post-secondary education (PSE) can significantly change the life course of care-experienced youth (CEY) in Canada, yet most do not complete high school and few pursue higher education. This article draws on 26 in-depth interviews with CEY (n = 8) and staff/supporters (n = 18) involved in tuition waiver programs and related post-secondary and community-based supports across Atlantic Canada. Using thematic analysis, our team identified key barriers including limited program awareness and uptake, educational costs beyond tuition, uneven navigation and mentoring supports, limited data tracking, and inconsistent eligibility policies and success indicators across programs. Greater cross-jurisdictional coordination and shared indicators of educational success are warranted.
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Published
2026-08-26
Keywords
care-experienced youth, access to post-secondary education, tuition waiver programs, barriers to access higher education, Atlantic Canada
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jacqueline Gahagan, Dale Kirby, Sue McWilliam, Steven Smith, Margaret Robinson, Kristyn Anderson, Sarah Blades, Melanie Doucet
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