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Youth from care participate in post-secondary education at roughly half the rate of their peers who have not experienced the system, and in Ontario, less than half of youth from the child welfare system graduate from high school¹. For those who do pursue post-secondary education, the financial barriers to higher education are significant, and for many youth from care, they’re the deciding factor between potential and possibility.
That’s why, every year, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada proudly invests in the futures of young people through scholarships, tutoring, bursaries, and programs that support their educational journeys.
Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our donor community, last year alone the Foundation delivered millions of dollars in educational funding to youth across the country, helping them pursue their goals, build confidence, and change their lives through learning.
And now, for the first time ever, we’re proud to share the stories behind those numbers, directly from the students themselves. Introducing the 2025 edition of Pages of Possibility: a yearbook celebrating the strength and achievements of youth from care.
Pages of Possibility: Our 2025 Yearbook
In Pages of Possibility, you’ll meet six inspiring young students — Lucifer, Kim, Tatyana, Jenn, Sebastian, and Jessie — who have each overcome barriers on their path to education. Their stories are powerful reminders of what’s possible when young people from care are given the support they deserve. You’ll also discover more about Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s Post-Secondary Education (PSE) program, which has been helping youth build brighter futures through access to education since 1995.
Meet the students
We are incredibly grateful to Lucifer, Kim, Tatyana, Jenn, Sebastian and Jessie for sharing their story in Pages of Possibility. Download the yearbook now to read more about them, but for now, here’s a sneak peek of the students you’ll meet:
 Lucifer: Social Service Worker, Confederation College |
“Many people who were in care full time had limited opportunities to create the life skills needed to be out on our own. Most of us will not have savings or any help towards education, for a lot of us scholarships are the only possibility of us being able to achieve secondary education.” |
 Kim: Human Relations and Spirituality/Psychotherapy, Saint Paul University |
“My life has been changed by receiving this scholarship, as it has enabled me to get a degree I otherwise would not have been able to. I am deeply grateful. It helped me to breathe with peace.” |
 Tatyana: Criminology, Douglas College |
“My main goal is to become a youth worker and help youth who have experience in care.” |
 Jenn: Communication Studies, Concordia University |
“After I finish the degrees, I would like to work in the theatre industry as an accessibility consultant or producer. Having done an internship with a theatre company as a theatre producer with a focus on accessibility, I realized how much I enjoyed doing the work. My biggest dream and aspiration would be to share my music beyond my social circle and for it to impact other people.” |
 Sebastian: Bioinformatics program |
“This scholarship has given me the opportunity to set my life on the right path.” |
 Jessie: Veterinary Assistant, Robertson College |
“Receiving a scholarship from CAFC means the world to me, as it encourages me to go through the hardest courses. I’m currently pursuing additional studies in Business Administration to deepen my understanding of the business side of veterinary medicine. This support helps me grow not just as a student, but as a future professional in my field.” |
Transforming Lives through Education
For over 25 years, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada has been empowering young people to achieve their academic goals through post-secondary education funding. Each year, the Foundation conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its program to ensure that it remains effective in supporting young people. In 2024-25, we awarded over $2 million dollars to 690 individual students across Canada. This funding makes a significant difference in the lives of young people, helping them achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.
The Foundation’s support goes further than just scholarships — programs and funds are available to support youth across Canada in all levels of education. From providing backpacks to elementary school students and tutoring supports to those in high school, to supporting post-secondary students with Graduation Awards and Education Opportunity Grants, the Foundation is proud to help students in whatever way they need.
Help turn possibility into reality
Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s education programs and funds are made possible by the generous contributions of donors across the country. Today, we’re spotlighting one donor whose life’s work reflects the transformative power of education and a steadfast belief in the potential of every child: Dr. Beverley A. Lee.
Growing up in a rural Ontario community with limited access to education, Dr. Lee knew school could change her future. She received a donor-funded bursary during her first year in undergraduate studies, and went on to complete a Doctorate of Education and Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution. With a love and appreciation for education, it’s no surprise she held roles such as teacher and principal throughout her thirty year career.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Lee developed a deep understanding of the unique and persistent barriers that children and youth, especially those involved in the child welfare system, face in accessing education. Her focus has always been more than just providing resources. It’s about creating compassionate, empowering environments where young people are seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
A few years ago, Dr. Lee learned that she could create a personal foundation to support causes close to her heart. Inspired by her work with children and her love for education, she chose to support Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada and established a scholarship. More recently, she has decided to contribute to the Foundation’s bursary program.
My focus was always on ensuring kids and families had access to the support they needed. So donating to Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada seemed like the perfect fit.
Dr. Lee’s enduring legacy is grounded in the belief that lasting change comes from sustained commitment. Her continued support of Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada will continue to break down barriers, foster a sense of belonging, and open doors to education, opportunity, and leadership for children and youth impacted by the child welfare system.
Dr. Lee has also incorporated the Foundation into her estate plans, ensuring that there will be ongoing financing support for bursaries and other educational resources that will be available to generations of young people in the future. “It’s fulfilling to know that what I cared about most as a teacher and principal — helping young people realize their greatest potential in life — will be my legacy.”
Every gift counts. Whether it’s a one-time donation, a scholarship, or a future legacy gift, all contributions come together to create life-changing opportunities for youth. Join Dr. Lee in turning possibility into reality for a student through the kind of support that’s meaningful to you.
- $25 can contribute to tutoring support
- $75 provides a backpack to youth in care
- $150 helps kids in care participate in extracurricular activities
- $700 can buy a laptop so youth from care can complete schoolwork
- $2,000 can help youth from care through an Education Opportunity Grant
By donating today, you can even leave a special message that will be shared with a student and will be featured in next year’s yearbook. Your gift can help youth from care overcome barriers and chase their dreams through education.
¹ Source: Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (2024) Focus on Education Report
