Funds Raised Help Individuals Who Experienced Foster Care Pay for College Education Expenses
LANSING, Mich. – The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which for more than a decade has helped youth who have experienced foster care achieve their dreams of a college education, will host a fundraising dinner at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner, meet scholarship recipients and network with others who share the desire to make higher education a reality for hundreds of Michigan youth. The event will also feature Bella Hounakey, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as keynote speaker and Lauren “Schmitty” Smith, of IHeartMedia West, as emcee.
Raffle prizes and other activities will also be provided.
“Individuals who experience foster care do not have family support systems like most students,” said Robin Lott, director of Michigan’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides Michigan’s foster youth the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. These dollars can be used by students to cover college expenses, such as tuition, fees, housing, book purchases and other related expenses. If you can’t make it to Kalamazoo in person, please consider an online donation.”
All proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships and raffle items are awarded as scholarships to former foster youth currently enrolled at Michigan colleges and universities.
The Michigan foster care system under the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services accommodates more than 10,000 young individuals. Nationwide, former foster youth are half as likely to enroll in college after graduating from high school than students in general, and only 3% of them succeed in obtaining a degree.
The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund holds annual in-person fundraisers in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit areas. Since 2012, fundraising activities have collected more than $1.3 million, and all the funds raised have been granted as scholarships within the same year.
Reservations for the event are $100 per person or $800 for a table of eight and can be made through the Michigan Education Trust Fostering Futures Trust Fund Payment website.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the fundraising dinner.
The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, housed in the Michigan Department of Treasury, is a Section 170(c) nonprofit organization. Contributions made by December 31 are eligible for federal and state tax deductions in the year they are made.
To apply or learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship, go to www.michigan.gov/fosteringfutures or call toll-free at 888-4-GRANTS (888-447-2687).
