A Comox Valley student’s dreams of studying criminology were once a thing of the past. However, thanks to a new Foundry grant program, she can bring that lost dream back to life.
According to the organization that provides social service support for youth aged 12 to 24-years-old, Kasey Mazar is a recipient of the $5,000 Continuing Education Award. The award is made possible through a partnership with Coast Capital, and it is for participants of Foundry’s Work and Education Program.
They add Mazar discovered Foundry’s program somewhat by accident after finishing high school as she was just hoping to get mental health support at the time. Foundry says she was facing many difficulties including a struggle with mental health, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder among others.
“My dad passed away recently, and that combined with my mental health struggles made it impossible for me to hold down a job,” said Mazar. “Being in debt, combined with so many personal and mental health challenges can be really debilitating.”
However, with the aid of mental health support and resources, Mazar is now able to pursue her dream of studying criminology.
According to Foundry program implementation leader Matt Wenger, access to post-secondary education for people like Mazar can be quite challenging.
“We created this program to allow people to apply based on their work that they’re doing with one of our teams and to really talk about how financial support would be a good change in their pathway towards continuing education,” said Wenger.
Wenger says they choose who receives the grants through peer reviewed applications to see if someone meets the life challenges criteria and if they have clear plan towards the future of their education.
He adds it is an incredible feeling to watch young people get the help they need to work towards their dreams and goals.
“To see the change that happens when somebody enters the program thinking that they are not able to or only able to do certain things and then realize that is not the case is incredible,” said Wenger.
The program and applications are available at many locations in B.C. including Campbell River and Victoria. They add the program can accessed by others outside of communities through Foundry Virtual.
Mazar has been accepted to North Island College where she will be studying psychology, sociology and law.
