According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there are close to 10,000 youth in Michigan’s foster care system. The Fostering Future Scholarships Trust Fund provides former foster care youth with financial resources to attend Michigan colleges and universities. This academic year, over 470 students at 64 institutions received support.
The ‘Making a Difference Gala’ brought in over $50,000 for the Fostering Future Scholarships Trust Fund, $10,000 more than last year. Nearly 200 attended the event organized by the MDHHS and the Michigan Education Trust.
According to a study by the University of Connecticut, it’s estimated between 69% and 85% of students who have experienced foster care in the U.S. complete high school by their mid-20s, but only 8% to 11% go on to earn a postsecondary degree. That’s five times lower than the national average.
You can find more information or donate online at FosteringFutures-MI.com
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
