New funding for Foundry centres will help youth in 91原创 to find employment or further their education through mentoring, skill building, and job placement services. 
 
鈥淥ur Foundry Centre has been making a huge difference in the lives of young people in 91原创 since it opened, and I鈥檓 thrilled that they will now offer even more services,鈥� said Megan Dykeman, MLA for 91原创 East. 鈥淔rom health and mental health to work and education, they truly support the all-around well-being of youth.鈥�
 
The provincial government is providing $9 million to expand the Work and Education program to six more Foundry locations across B.C., including in 91原创. The program is already offered at 12 Foundry locations where it will continue, and is also available virtually.
 
鈥淵oung people have so much potential, and when they have goals and a solid plan, they can be unstoppable,鈥� said 91原创 MLA Andrew Mercier. 鈥淏y helping young people to overcome barriers to education and employment and work towards their goals, we are setting them up for successful adult lives.鈥�
  
This free program is available to youth ages 15 to 24, and provides support with health, counselling, mentoring, education, skill development, and job placement. Those interested in participating or learning more can reach out to their local Foundry centre or online, and don鈥檛 require referral to access these services.
 
Since 2021, the Work & Education Program has supported over 1,300 young people around B.C., with this funding the program can increase from supporting 500 youth a year to 800 a year, on average.

is a provincewide network of centres to support youth mental and physical health and wellbeing, offering a range of free, individualized, and confidential services.

There are currently 18 Foundry centres in operation across B.C., with 17 more in development.

Foundry centres in Sea to Sky (Squamish), Cariboo Chilcotin (Williams Lake), East Kootenay (Cranbrook), Surrey (once open), 91原创 and Port Hardy are joining Foundry centres in Abbotsford, Campbell River, Kelowna, North Shore, Prince George, Vancouver-Granville, Victoria, Ridge Meadows, Penticton, Richmond, Terrace and the Comox Valley.

The centres offer more than employment services. Foundry is a provincewide network of integrated youth wellness centres where young people can access a variety of wraparound supports and services, including individualized mental-health care, substance-use services, physical and sexual health care and social services, as well as youth and family peer supports. Referrals are not required to visit a centre or to receive online support, and all services are free and confidential.