Kimberly Bertges beat 97% odds; plans to pay it forward

HFC alumna Kimberly Bertges (pronounced “Burgess”) is one of a tiny minority of people (less than 3%) who were raised in the foster care system who beat the odds and earned a college degree. She now holds three degrees, so she has beaten the odds by a large margin.

“It feels amazing – truly surreal. Growing up in foster care, I often wondered if higher education was even possible for me. To be among the small percentage who not only persevered but achieved a college degree is incredibly humbling. It’s a reminder that circumstances do not define your future and that with determination, support, and hard work, anything is possible,” said Bertges, of Wayne County.

Bertges was placed in care of the state at a very young age. This forced her to navigate life without parental guidance, support, and stability. She also faced constant challenges, including moving between homes, adjusting to new environments, and facing uncertainty about the future. (See U-M Dearborn video for more info on her story.)

“These experiences left lasting impressions, but they also taught me resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of determination,” she said. “The difficulties I faced ultimately led to the heartbreaking loss of both of my parents, an experience that could have derailed me entirely. Instead, their struggles became motivation. I became determined to break the cycle, make good choices, and create a stable, positive environment for myself and my children. My parents’ hardships instilled in me a drive to succeed, to prioritize education and personal growth, and to build a life where challenges are met with perseverance rather than despair. Every step I take toward my goals is shaped by that determination to honor my own future while breaking generational patterns of struggle.”

Creating opportunities for herself and family

Bertges is the mother of four children, aged 11 to 21. She attended five different high schools, graduating from Franklin High School in Livonia. When she decided to enroll at HFC, it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when everything shifted to an online environment.

Not long after, Bertges learned about Michigan Reconnect, a program that pays for in-district tuition for Michigan residents older than 25 who don’t have a college degree. Michigan Reconnect and the Pell Grant provided Bertges the opportunity to pursue higher education.

“Highly engaged in class discussions, Kimberly brought the perspective of her life challenges and also the depth of her resilience and personal transformation. I believe that she will be an outstanding professional who will help transform the lives of others,” said HFC social work instructor Imad Nouri.

Enrolling at HFC was a turning point for Bertges, because it allowed her to adapt to a new way of learning while fully committing to her goals.

“It wasn’t just about going back to school; it was about proving that I could still create new opportunities for myself and my children,” she said. “HFC is a great fit for both traditional and non-traditional students. The flexibility, support systems, and wide range of programs make it an ideal environment to pursue higher education, whether you are just starting or returning after life’s interruptions. Working with such a diverse array of students while attending HFC also showed me how adaptable and inclusive the college environment is.”

HFC provided a foundation for next steps

Bertges earned two associate degrees from HFC, graduating with honors. The first was in liberal arts and the second was in applied science in social work and counseling. During her time at HFC, Bertges was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. She qualified for the Go Blue Guarantee, which allowed her to transfer to the University of Michigan-Dearborn at very low cost.

“The Go Blue Guarantee paid for my tuition at UM-Dearborn. That opportunity allowed me to continue my education,” she said. “HFC provided a strong foundation in both academic skills and the discipline needed for college-level work. My HFC courses helped me refine my time management, study habits, and critical thinking skills. Beyond academics, HFC taught me resilience and adaptability, qualities that have been as important as classroom knowledge, especially as I balanced school with parenthood. While every new environment presents its challenges, my experience at HFC gave me the confidence and tools to succeed at UM-Dearborn.”

Bertges was apprehensive about attending UM-Dearborn. She joined UM-Dearborn’s Office of TRIO Programs Summer Bridge Program right after transferring from HFC.

“Despite excelling at HFC, Kimberly felt anxious about starting at UM-Dearborn. She left on the first day in tears without stepping foot in the door,” recalled UM-Dearborn Advisor/Counselor and Student Support Services Manager Rachel Leonard. “I offered to meet her in the parking lot and walk in with her to ease her anxiety. This became the turning point that sparked her positive impact on campus.”

Chancellor’s Medallion recipient

In late 2025, Bertges graduated from U-M Dearborn with university honors and high distinction, earning her bachelor’s degree in science in health and human services, and a minor in criminology and criminal justice. She was awarded the Chancellor’s Medallion by Interim Chancellor Gabriella Scarlatta.

“Receiving the Chancellor’s Medallion was an incredible honor and a moment of validation for all the hard work, perseverance, and sacrifices,” said Bertges. “This award symbolizes the resilience, determination, and commitment that have carried me through challenges personally and academically. This recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence and meaningful impact.”

At UM-Dearborn, Bertges was involved in several programs and organizations, including TRIO, SOAR, Dearborn Support, the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC), and the First Generation Student Organization. Bertges mentored 12 students, providing guidance, encouragement, and support as they navigated their academic journeys.

“One of the highlights of my time at UM-Dearborn was participating in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, an experience that expanded my perspective and sparked a newfound passion for criminal justice,” said Bertges. “Engaging directly with incarcerated individuals and discussing complex social and legal issues deepened my understanding of the criminal justice system and inspired me to explore ways I can make a positive impact in this field.”

A future filled with purpose, stability, and hope

Each step Bertges has taken throughout her life has reinforced the value of persistence, resilience, and self-belief. She knows her success was something she didn’t achieve on her own. Seeking support, leaning on mentors, and taking advantage of programs designed to help students succeed were essential.

HFC psychology instructor Alison Buchanan taught Bertges in two of her classes. She called Bertges one of the most resilient and determined students she had known.

“Kimberly has had her share of struggles but has never given up on her educational dreams,” said Buchanan. “She’s the epitome of someone working hard to improve her life and her children’s lives. I could not be prouder of her!”

Bertges wants her story to serve as encouragement to others who might feel that their circumstances are limitations.

“Education is a powerful tool that can open doors, break cycles, and create opportunities that once seemed out of reach. Every challenge I’ve faced has been a lesson. Every setback an opportunity to grow, and every achievement is a reminder that perseverance pays off,” she said. “I carry this mindset forward for myself and my children. Education has been a life-changing path, and I hope my story inspires others to take the first step, no matter how daunting it may feel. I carry my past as a lesson, not a limitation, and use it to fuel every decision that moves me closer to my dreams."