The VOCM Cares Foundation has launched a new initiative to help ensure all students are included in school activities.

The School Inclusion Fund has been created to help remove financial barriers that may prevent students from participating in school events, with the foundation noting that even small costs associated with school activities can create barriers for students and their families.

Things the funding can be used for include field trip fees, school activity or event fees, school supplies related to activities, student inclusion supports, and other “small but meaningful barriers” identified by school staff.

Applications for the fund will open to all public schools in the province on Monday, and will close on October 1st.