Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Gala To Support Educational Dreams Of Those Who Have Experienced Foster Care

Students heading off to college face many challenges. For many, a family support system can help them manage questions and concerns.

But for young people who have experienced foster care, things can be very different.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is working to help reduce financial obstacles with its Making a Difference Gala, a fundraising event to help young people who have experienced foster care realize their education dreams. The gala is Friday, April 10, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 235 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids.

“This is always a special evening and those who support the event really are making a difference in the lives of those who have experienced foster care,” said Megan Patino, executive director of the Michigan Education Trust, which administers the Fostering Futures program. “This event helps directly fund students across Michigan, turning educational goals into achievable futures.”

Alison “Alie” Hosinski, a senior at Grand Valley State, knows firsthand how life changing the support provided can be.

“The Fostering Futures Scholarship has allowed me to focus on my education without financial stress,” said Hosinski. “With Fostering Futures Scholarship support, I have been able to participate in two separate internships as well as study abroad during my time at Grand Valley State University. I have been allowed the opportunity to grow academically and personally.”

Hosinski, who has received the scholarship the past three years, will graduate soon with a degree in marketing.

Nationally, it is estimated between 69% and 85% of students who have experienced foster care complete high school by their mid-20s, but just 8% to 11% go on to earn a postsecondary degree (associate or higher) ­— five times lower than the national average, according to the study “Secondary and Postsecondary Education Outcomes of Students With Experience in Foster Care” from the University of Connecticut.

Since 2012, more than $6.7 million has been donated to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund. The funds are awarded as scholarships for Michigan students in the year they are donated.

This year’s gala will feature keynote speaker Michael Fenning, who also experienced foster care before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fenning, a champion for Michigan youth, will talk about his personal experience and the importance of higher education for those who have experienced foster care.

The gala offers a night filled with raffle prizes, food and a photo booth. The top raffle prize is an exclusive VIP in-home dining experience for up to 10 guests, featuring a four-course, custom-curated meal by award-winning caterer YoChef.

Tickets are $100 per person or $800 for a table of eight and are available to the public. To reserve your seat, explore sponsorships or learn more, visit Fostering Futures Scholarship Event or call 800-638-4543. 

Those unable to attend can still contribute by donating securely online or mailing a check with the Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form to State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship, P.O. Box 30198, Lansing, MI 48909.

Sponsors of the event include the Michigan Education Savings Program, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan Community College Association, Ferris State University, Güd Marketing, iHeartMedia, Western Michigan University Seita Scholars Program, Paul Doane family, Catalis, JA PR Group, Michigan Association of Broadcasters, WOOD-TV and WGVU Public Media.

About the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, housed in the Michigan Department of Treasury, is a Section 170(c) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide scholarships to former foster youth enrolled at Michigan colleges and universities. The fund was established in 2012 to provide scholarships to students who have experienced foster care and do not have adequate financial resources to attend college. It was reestablished as an endowment and scholarship trust fund in 2015 by amendment to Public Act 525 of 2008. Your donation may be tax deductible.