Fostering Futures Michigan Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan Education Trust

The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides scholarships to students who have experienced foster care in Michigan on or after age 13.  Students must also demonstrate financial need to qualify.

Eligibility

• Student must have been in Michigan foster care due to abuse/neglect on or after their 13th birthday.
• Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution.
• Student 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.
• Student must meet institution's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
• Not be in default on a Federal student loan.
• There is no maximum age restriction for the student.

Renewal Requirements

In addition to the initial eligibility requirements, to renew, a student must:

• Complete a current year FFS application prior to the deadline.
• File a current year FAFSA.
• Maintain Michigan residency.
• Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution.
• Be an undergraduate student.
• Be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Application Process

An application is required and must be completed annually during the open enrollment period. Eligible students must apply each year.

• The 2023-24 FFS priority application is currently closed; however, applications may be still submitted and placed on a waitlist. Eligible applicants will be communicated with if funds become available for awarding.
• The 2024-25 FFS will be available March 15, 2024. The FFS application priority deadline for Academic Year 2024-25 is August 1, 2024.

There are two ways to complete the application:

1. Online

• Create a MiSSG Student Portal Account at Michigan.gov/MISSG.
• Once in your MiSSG Student Portal, submit a Fostering Futures Scholarship application under "Scholarships and Grant Applications".

2. Phone

• Contact the Customer Care Center at 888-447-2687.

Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The first institution listed on the FAFSA will be considered the priority school. Students are responsible for notifying MI Student Aid of a change in their college choice. This can be done through the MiSSG Student Portal or by calling 888-447-2687.

Program Limits

FFS is available on a first-come, first-served basis to undergraduate students. The maximum award amount is determined annually by MI Student Aid. Funding amounts vary based on need and any other financial aid the student is receiving. Future awards are subject to available and approved funding.

Participating Institutions

Michigan community college, public university, or degree-granting non-profit independent college.

Award Amount

Awards are restricted to tuition and mandatory fees, books and supplies, and room and board.  Awards pay up to a maximum of $3,000 for Academic Year 2023-24.