Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Raises Nearly $40,000 for Foster Youth at Kalamazoo Fundraiser

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan's youth who have experienced foster care are eligible to receive college scholarships following a Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Fundraising Dinner in Kalamazoo organized by the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Friday evening's event at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo was attended by around 200 guests who raised approximately $39,000 for scholarships. MET, the Michigan Department of Treasury's 529 prepaid tuition program hosted the event. 

"Fostering Futures Scholarship fundraisers are about breaking down barriers for Michigan’s youth who have experienced foster care and demonstrating how compassion can turn into action," State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. "We believe in these students and their potential. Every dollar raised will turn hope into reality and dreams into achievements. Our goal is to see success in college and beyond.”

A partnership between MET and MDHHS makes Fostering Futures Scholarships possible.

Close to 10,000 youth are in the Michigan foster care system run by MDHHS. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth enroll in college after high school and fewer than 3% eventually earn a degree.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides former Michigan foster care students who may not have adequate financial resources to attend college with a scholarship to a Michigan college or university. During this academic year, 412 students at 52 different institutions benefited from the scholarship.  

“Every young person deserves the support and resources they need to pursue the education and career path that is right for them,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS is proud to be part of Fostering Futures, which assists students who have experienced foster care with tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board for students at a vocation school, apprenticeship or college.”

Anyone who could not attend the event can make donations to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund by visiting www.FosteringFutures-MI.com.

Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is a Section 170 (c) non-profit organization.  All contributions are eligible for an income tax deduction.

Since 2012, fundraising efforts have totaled more than $1.4 million, with funds awarded as scholarships in the year they were raised.