Fostering Futures Scholarship Dinner Unites Partners to Expand College Opportunities for Foster Youth, including Landmark $50,000 Donation

Photo caption: Panelist member Pura Strong and State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks converse during a panel discussion at the Fostering Futures Scholarship benefit dinner in Detroit on Sept. 12, 2025.

Collaboration and generosity were on full display at the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund benefit dinner Friday where community partners and donors rallied to support foster youth pursuing college.

The event at Detroit’s Roostertail featured a historic $50,000 gift from the Sootchy Charitable Foundation and Yoba Development, as well as a $25,529 donation from the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), alongside other contributions and special recognitions underscoring a shared commitment to help foster youth build brighter futures through higher education.

“For over a decade, the Michigan Department of Treasury, Michigan Education Trust and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have worked together to bring hope and opportunity to Michigan’s foster youth,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “This evening is about recognizing the barriers and demonstrating how compassion and support can be the difference between a dream and reality. We believe deeply in the potential of our foster youth.”

A partnership between the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) makes Fostering Futures Scholarships possible.

“Every young person deserves the support and resources they need to pursue their educational and career dreams,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS is proud to be part of Fostering Futures, which assists students who have experienced foster care with tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board for students at a vocation school, apprenticeship or college. For foster youth, financial support isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. By investing in their education, we’re not only helping them open doors, we’re affirming their worth and potential. ”

The fundraiser featured actor and youth advocate Dr. Malik Yoba, founder and CEO of Yoba Development and David Adefeso of the Sootchy Charitable Foundation, who announced a joint $50,000 donation to MET. The gift will establish MET education savings accounts — $1,000 each — for students at the House of Providence and for youth in the afterschool program at We Care Family Care.

More than 300 guests raised $111,000 for scholarships through MET, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s 529 prepaid tuition savings program.

In addition, MESP marked its 25th anniversary with a special gift: a $25,529 donation presented by Jennifer Burke and Chris McLeod of TIAA, Tuition Financing Inc. The donation, part of a yearlong campaign to match individual contributions to the scholarship, was in recognition of MESP’s milestone year, further expanding opportunities for Michigan foster youth. MESP is Michigan’s direct-sold investment 529 plan and partner in supporting foster youth.

Close to 10,000 youth are in the Michigan foster care system administered by MDHHS. Nationally, it is estimated that between 69% and 85% of students who have experienced foster care complete high school by their mid-20s, and just 8% to 11% go on to earn a postsecondary degree (associate or higher) — five times lower than the national average.

“The Fostering Futures Scholarship program ensures that young people who have experienced foster care are not left behind when it comes to accessing higher education,” said Robin Lott, executive director of  Treasury’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “We are grateful to every donor and partner who helps provide these students with the tools and resources they need to succeed — including the very special, ongoing support of Albert and Mitsie Scaglione and the Park West Foundation. In addition to their support for Fostering Futures Scholarship, they are helping hundreds of Detroit youth through various programs, which is dedicated to helping youth thrive as they transition from the foster care system.”

This academic year alone, 441 students at 60 different Michigan colleges and universities are benefiting from the scholarship. Since 2012, Fostering Futures events have raised more than $1.4 million, with all funds raised awarded as scholarships within the same year.

Couldn’t attend and want to make a difference?

Donate online, or mail your donation with the completed Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form and a check made payable to the “State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.” 

Contributions made by Dec. 31 are eligible for federal and state income tax deductions for that year. MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making all donations tax deductible.

To learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund or to donate, go to www.michigan.gov/fosteringfutures.

Sponsors of the Detroit event were the MESP, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan Association of State Universities, Ferris State University, Güd Marketing, Lake Trust Credit Union, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan, iHeartMedia, Metro Parent, Michigan College Access Network, Orchards Children’s Services, Western Michigan University Seita Scholars Program, the New Foster Care, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and WXYZ-TV 7 in Detroit.