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Fostering Futures Scholarship

Students throwing their caps at graduation.

Fostering Futures Scholarship

The Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS) 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:

  • File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Complete a FFS application prior to the deadline.
  • Have been in Michigan foster care due to abuse/neglect on or after their 13th birthday.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Possess a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
  • Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution.
  • Be an undergraduate student.
  • Not have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Meet institution's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
  • Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
    • If you are a dependent student, the contributor(s) on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident.
    • This will be confirmed based on your FAFSA.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
  • Not be in default on a Federal student loan.
  • There is no maximum age restriction for the student.

Application Process

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

The 2024-25 FFS priority deadline for Academic Year 2024-25 was August 1, 2024. Applications after August 1, 2024, may still be submitted and will be placed on a waitlist. Eligible applicants will be communicated with if funds become available for awarding. 

The 2025-26 FFS application is now available in the MiSSG Student Portal for students who plan to attend college in Academic Year 2025-26. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025, for priority consideration. Awards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If additional funding becomes available, applicants will be notified of their award status.

There are two ways to complete the application:

1. Online

2. Phone

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

Awards are based on the first Michigan institution listed on the FAFSA. 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.

Renewal Requirements

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

  • File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Complete a current-year FFS application prior to the deadline.
  • Maintain Michigan residency.
  • Be an undergraduate student.
  • Not have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution.
  • Meet institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.

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 public degree-grant community college, public university; or Michigan private or independent, degree-granting non-profit institution. 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 2024-25.

Additional Resources

Michigan Education Trust (MET) Information

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides scholarships to students who have experienced foster care in Michigan on or after age 13.

Participating Institutions

Authority

Public Act 525 of 2008