SAGINAW — A new episode of the popular Mid-Michigan podcast “That’s What She Said” will spotlight how Michigan’s Fostering Futures Scholarship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life when host Christiana Malacara interviews Rebecca Yager, a Delta College student and Fostering Futures Scholarship recipient.
The episode will air Thursday, Dec. 11 at 1:30 p.m.. It will be promoted on the “That’s What She Said” and WSGW Facebook pages and presented as “live” before becoming available across multiple broadcast and digital platforms.
The interview gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at Yager’s journey from foster care to college and how the state Department of Treasury scholarship program helped remove financial barriers. Yager, who is on track to graduate from Delta in 2027, shares how the program has given her “space to breathe, focus and believe college was possible.”
“Our show is about amplifying voices that deserve to be heard,” Malacara said. “Sharing Rebecca’s journey is a reminder of the power of community support and the importance of programs like the Fostering Futures Scholarship.”
The broadcast and streaming schedule:
Thursday, Dec. 11 — Airs as “live” on “That’s What She Said” and will be promoted on Facebook and YouTube
Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. — WSGW 100.5 FM and 790 AM
Sunday, Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. — WSGW 100.5 FM and 790 AM
Monday, Dec. 15 — Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Audible
The airing comes at a meaningful time of year. Michigan residents can make tax-deductible, end-of-year contributions to support the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which provides college support for young adults who have experienced foster care. Donations help students with tuition, housing, books and other essential needs not covered by other aid.
“The Fostering Futures Scholarship is built on generosity,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of the Michigan Education Trust (MET) at the Department of Treasury, which oversees the Fostering Futures Scholarship program. “As Michigan families think about year-end giving, making a contribution to Fostering Futures Scholarship is a powerful way to directly support young people like Rebecca who are working hard to build their futures.”
For many students, including Yager, the scholarship is the difference between delaying a dream and achieving it.
Recent examples of other scholarship recipients include:
Raymond Miller, a senior at Western Michigan University, is preparing for a career in aviation operations. His fascination with airports began during his first airplane trip as a young man, when navigating the terminals and runways sparked a lifelong passion.
Ov’Var’Shia Gray-Woods, a former recipient, credits her own difficult experience in foster care with shaping her future. Rather than leaving her disheartened, it ignited a passion to change the system from within. She graduated in December 2024 with a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University.
Funded entirely by private donations, the Fostering Futures Scholarship helps Michigan young adults who have experienced foster care attend college or career training programs.
The Michigan foster care system serves more than 9,500 young people. Nationally, former foster youth are half as likely to enroll in college as their peers, and only 3% obtain a degree. Since 2012, Fostering Futures Scholarship events have raised more than $1.4 million, with all funds awarded as scholarships within the same year.
To learn more or donate, visit Fostering Futures.
