British Columbia

SAJE Life-skills, Training, and Cultural Connections Funding

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program offers a number of supports to eligible youth and young adults. This page focuses on Life-skills, Training and Cultural Connections Funding.

The Life-Skills, Training and Cultural Connections (LSTCC) funding is intended to support young adults enrolled in a legacy [Agreement with Young Adults (AYA)] (link to BW page) program or the newly introduced [SAJE Income Support (IS)] (link to BW page) and is focused on pursuing life-skills, training, or cultural connections goals and/or is attending post-secondary education.

LSTCC funding provides up to $5,500 in a single year (up to a maximum of $11,000 during AYA or IS participation, starting at age 19 up until their 27th birthday). LSTCC funding can be used for program fees, supplies or other costs associated with the program or activity, as described in the Life-skills, Training and Cultural Connections Funding Guidelines.

Further information about the SAJE Life-skills, Training and Cultural Connections Funding can be found in the Life Skills, Training, and Cultural Connections Funding FAQ.

You may be eligible for the LSTCC funding to cover program fees, supplies or other costs associated with your skill development and learning goals, if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • Have an [Unconditional Income Support (UIS)] (link to SAJE Income Support BW page) and wish to engage in optional programs or activities to pursue life-skills, training and/or cultural connection goals, for a minimum of 5hours per week;
  • Have a [Conditional Income Support (CIS)] (link to SAJE Income Support BW page) and are planning to, or are engaged in:
    • A. Life-skills, training or cultural connections programs or activities only, for a minimum of 5hours per week; OR
    • B. A post-secondary education program that is not covered by the [Provincial Tuition Waiver Program (PTWP)] (Link to BW page) or the [Learning for Futures Grant (LFG)] (Link to BW page) for a minimum of 60% of a full-time course load (40% if you have a permanent disability); OR
    • C. a combination of educational, vocational, apprenticeship training, rehabilitative, life-skills and/or cultural programming, for a total combined minimum of 5-hours per week (A + B above).

If your primary educational, vocational/apprenticeship training is already covered by PTWP/LFG, you can still access LSTCC funding to cover other mental health, rehabilitative, life-skills and/or cultural programming, but you cannot use LSTCC funding to cover the costs of fees or programs already covered by PTWP and LFG.

You can also use the SAJE Eligibility Check Form to learn which supports you may be eligible for.

To get more information about the SAJE program contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) by:

Phone: 1-866-623-3001 Email: [email protected]

Proof of legal status

A document showing citizenship or immigration status in Canada. For example:

  • citizenship certificate
  • confirmation document
  • record of landing, confirmation of permanent residence;
    • permanent resident card
    • visitor record
    • temporary resident permit
    • study permit
  • positive notice of decision
  • verification of status document
  • registration date with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
  • passport
  • foreign passport

Proof of  residency in Province

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Contact a SAJE Guide or MCFD’s SAJE Provincial Support Services (SPSS) to find out more information about the Health and Wellness Supports at:

Phone: 1-866-623-3001
Email: [email protected]

ICFSAs may also have dedicated workers to assist Indigenous youth with planning for their transition to adulthood and accessing the SAJE program. If you are looking for an ICFSA please visit Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies/Delegated Aboriginal Agencies in BC - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Last updated: May 30, 2025