Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The priority deadline for the Fostering Futures Scholarship application for academic year 2023-24 is August 1, 2023. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
Applications received after August 1, 2023, may be placed on a waitlist.
“The Fostering Futures Scholarship can make a difference in the lives of our foster care youth who aspire to attend college,” said Robin Lott, director of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “Those who have experienced foster care typically don’t have the support systems in place to assist with college costs. Every dollar helps create opportunities for our youth who have experienced foster care.”
Since 2012, fundraising efforts have totaled more than $1.3 million. This money has been raised through individual donations, group donations, sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions and many volunteer-based fundraising events.
Most of the funds raised have been awarded as scholarships, with a small portion being designated to an education endowment that supplies investment income for scholarships.
Fostering Future Scholarship applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department’s Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach area at mistudentaid@michigan.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-447-2687.