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According to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, right now there are approximately 63,000 Canadian children living in permanent care with foster families, extended family, or in group homes. These children and youths often experience difficulties gaining access to adequate education opportunities, especially when it comes to post-secondary education. For every 1,000 youths in Canadian foster care, only eight go on to graduate with a post-secondary education. One of the largest barriers to entry for children in foster care is the financial burden that comes along with post-secondary education.

The financial burden of post-secondary education is felt particularly strongly by Indigenous children, who continue to be overrepresented within the Canadian foster care system. Statistics Canada‘s latest release of 2021 census data shows Indigenous children accounted for 53.8 per cent of all children in foster care. This number has gone up slightly compared to the 2016 census, when Indigenous children accounted for 52.2 per cent of children in care.

The vast majority of former foster youth wish to attend university, yet fewer qualified former foster youth pursue post-secondary education compared to their peers. When university or post-secondary education is pursued, significantly fewer former foster youth finish their studies compared to same age peers. This lack of advanced education can have a substantial impact on a former foster youth’s employment opportunities moving forward. The difference in earnings over a lifetime is over a million dollars between a university graduate and someone who did not complete high school.

In response to the growing number of foster children and youth in care that struggle to afford post-secondary studies, Storwell has developed the Foster Children Bursary Program. Along with providing secure and affordable self-storage units in Toronto, Storwell is also devoted to helping out the community through various charitable causes and social initiatives. The aim of the bursary program is to provide foster children and youth in care with resources and opportunities that might be otherwise unavailable to them. With the proper tools, these students can work towards building a better life for themselves through the pursuit of higher education.

Storwell offers an annual bursary of $2,000 to help foster children attend post-secondary schools and to offer a hand up as they make their way forward in life. Eligibility requirements and access to the application form can be found at: https://www.storwell.com/bursary-application

We’re excited to see students back on campus for the 2022/2023 school year!  The executives have been working hard behind the scenes prepping for new events and advocating for student welfare. Meet the team and learn what they’re working on for you.

What’s the Best Way to Get Involved with LUSU?

Volunteer at our events! It's a great way to make friends and build your resume!

Don't Miss this Event...

LUSU Fest (details coming soon)

 What I'm most looking forward to this year?

I can't wait to see more students back on campus and coming to our events, especially with the Outpost opening up!

My Goal for LUSU this Year is...

Increase our engagement with students and to make sure we plan fun events throughout the year to enhance your university experience!

One thing to know about me...

I love to bake and may sneak a few treats into our events for students to enjoy!

What's the Best Way to Get Involved with LUSU?

I read, write and speak 3 languages. I have been a badminton player since grade 5.

What's the Best Way to Get Involved with LUSU?

Join a club, come volunteer at one of our events or campaigns, or reach out to explore ways of getting involved! Just pop by the office or send us an email.

One Can't-Miss Event?
Some new events this year - a haunted house and a planetarium on our own campus! Plus, a drag show and lip sync for your life competition. Lots to come!

What are you most looking forward to this year?

The return of campaigns like Indigenous Solidarity Week as well as ramping up advocacy on campus in general - be it on food security or a new building or anything else.

Your Goal for LUSU this Year?

To see a renewed solidarity within the union amongst the student body and to build a real sense of community so we can fight for the things that are important to us. Also, getting our governance sorted out!

An interesting fact about yourself:

I'm a pretty fierce baker - ask me for my recipes! 

What's the Best Way to Get Involved with LUSU?

If you want to be a part of student governance, attend the Board of Directors meetings. If you want to connect with others in LUSU or opportunities through LUSU, oh my goodness, where to begin? I would say get involved in your departmental club or society and at least one club to be a part of. Join a club that aligns with your interests, or find one that will bring you new experiences, either way find that group of people for you!       

Don't Miss This Event... 

Orientation! LUSU is kicking off Orientation on the first day of classes this year (September 6), getting you pumped and ready for the school year of your dreams! Orientation is where you learn a lot of important information: what to do, where to go in the city and university for supports. But just as importantly, it is a time to have fun while getting to know your new home, your classmates and future friends. Don't miss our First Day Fantasy Fun Fair, Pool Party and Welcome Back Concert! 

What am I most looking forward to this year?

I am so happy to have students back on campus, to have The Outpost open for hanging out and holding events. I am so excited to have our Centres open and ready to provide spaces for students to feel safe and connect with others. Most importantly, I am excited to meet and connect with all Thunderwolves, new and returning!

My Goal for LUSU this Year is...

For advocacy to take a holistic lens. I believe academic advocacy must include mental, emotional and physical needs, which all play into affecting not just academic performance, but your entire Lakehead experience. 

One Thing to Know About me...

I got diagnosed with ADHD as an adult! It was something I had long suspected in myself. When I brought it up to my Accessibility Advisor, they immediately worked with Student Health and Wellness to organize a psychological assessment. It has been an incredibly validating journey, and I am so happy to see myself from this different perspective.