Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF) Oxford County is happy to announce the second round of a project that achieved a significant success in its first round: the Youth Education and Employment Fund. The fund of up to $500 is meant to reduce/address any barriers for individual youth in Oxford County that may be impeding their journey to achieving their goals for education and/or employment as a result of financial need. Items applied to receiving funding for must support the youth with either:

1. Graduating high school AND/OR;

2. Having a successful transition into post secondary education, apprenticeship and/or employment

The funds are restricted to youth between the ages of 15 and 30 years old.

Some examples of financial barriers that may be covered by this fund include but are not limited to:

• Health and wellbeing needs, such as optometrist/dentist appointments, prescription eyeglasses, uncovered medicines, etc.

• Transportation needed to get to and from a volunteer or co-op opportunity (e.g. bus passes and/or cab rides)

• Mandatory school equipment, such as a scientific calculator, clothing/shoes for physical education, etc. that cannot be provided by the school

• Mandatory work uniforms, such as work boots or scrubs that are not covered by employers or employment service agencies

• Grocery store gift cards to assist youth struggling to focus in school due to food insecurity

• Funding to attend cultural events such as providing assistance for tickets to local art exhibition or music festival and helping youth connect with their cultural heritage

• Gender affirming clothing

• And More! If you have other needs related to education or employment, reach out to us to discuss how we can help

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Please review the Information and Process Sheet for more information on the application process and financial consideration. You can access the application form here which can be submitted by the youth themselves or any service providers and/or adult supports on behalf of the youth. Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis.