Fostering Futures Michigan Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan Education Trust

The Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS) is a financial aid program specifically for students who have been in foster care in Michigan from the age of 13 or older. Eligibility is also dependent on the students' financial requirements.

Qualification Criteria

Each applicant must:

• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year.
• Fill out a FFS application before the specified deadline.
• Must have entered foster care in Michigan due to neglect or abuse at the age of 13 or after.
• Show evidence of financial need.
• Hold a high school diploma or an equivalent certification.
• Register for at least half-time study at a participating educational institution.
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate student.
• Must not already have a bachelor’s degree.
• Comply with the institution's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
• Have been a resident of Michigan since July 1 of the previous year.
  • If you are a dependent student, the person(s) listed on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident.
  • Residency will be verified through your FAFSA.
• Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible refugee.
• Must not have defaulted on a Federal student loan.
• There are no age restrictions for applicants.

Procedure for Application

Applicants must submit a completed application every year during the open enrollment period.

The application for the 2025-26 FFS is currently available on the MiSSG Student Portal for those intending to attend college during the 2025-26 Academic Year. The deadline for priority consideration is December 31, 2025. Awards are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants will be informed if additional funds become available.

Applicants have two options for completing the application:

1. Online

• Set up a MiSSG Student Portal Account.
• After logging in to your MiSSG Student Portal, submit a Fostering Futures Scholarship application under "Scholarships and Grant Applications."

2. Over the Phone

Reach out to the Customer Care Center at 888-447-2687.

Awards are determined by the first Michigan institution listed on the FAFSA. Any change in college choice must be communicated to MI Student Aid by the student. This can be done via the MiSSG Student Portal or by dialing 888-447-2687.

Reapplication Criteria

To reapply, aside from meeting the initial qualification requirements, a student must:

• Submit a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Fill out a current-year FFS application before the deadline.
• Remain a Michigan resident.
• Be an undergraduate student.
• Must not have a bachelor’s degree.
• Register for at least half-time study at a participating institution.
• Adhere to the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.

Program Restrictions

FFS funding is offered to undergraduate students on a first-come, first-served basis. MI Student Aid determines the maximum award amount annually. The award amount varies, depending on the student's need and other financial aid they may be receiving. The availability of future awards is subject to the availability and approval of funds.