Fostering Futures Scholarship deadline extended to Aug. 1

The Michigan Scholarships and Grants Department has extended the deadline to apply for the Fostering Futures Scholarship to Sunday, Aug. 1.

This scholarship is awarded to students on a first-come/first-served basis who have been in the foster care system after the age of 13 and are enrolled at least half-time in a public degree-granting college or university. HFC is a qualifying educational institution.

To qualify for these funds, students must:

• Have been in the Michigan foster care system on or after their 13th birthday.
• Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution.
• Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need.
• Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
• For renewal, you must meet the College's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
• Not be in default on a federal student loan.
• There is no maximum age restriction.

Scholarship awards can be as much as $3,000/year ($1,500 for the fall semester and $1,500 for the winter semester). These funds may be used to assist former foster youth with the additional costs of attending a college or university (including but not limited to transportation, food, and housing).

Foster youth are some of the most at-risk students attending any college or university. While nearly 70% of these students aspire to attend some sort of post-secondary school, only 3% ever attain a certificate or degree, sadly. These funds can help bridge the gap many of these students experience when attempting to pay for their education.

Here is the application for this scholarship and a fact sheet.

For questions or more information, contact 888-447-2687 or mistudentaid@michigan.gov.