June 18, 2026
June 23 Event Supports Scholarship for Foster Youth while Honoring Juneteenth
The Michigan Education Trust (MET), along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, will host the 14th annual Fostering Futures Pizza Party on Tuesday, June 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Michigan Capitol Lawn.
For just $10 you can support scholarships for students who have experienced foster care and enjoy pizza, games and live entertainment.
“We refer to it as pizza with a purpose,” said Megan Patino, the executive director of MET. “For every slice purchased, a donation is made that helps open doors for students who have worked incredibly hard to build a future for themselves. It’s a small investment that can make a lifelong impact.”
The Fostering Futures Scholarship helps fund tuition, housing and textbooks. So far, the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, established in 2012, has provided more than $6.7 million through events and contributions.
There are an estimated 10,000 youth in Michigan’s foster care system. Approximately 10% to 20% of Michigan youth who age out of foster care enroll in college. Based on findings from the 2024 Fostering Futures Data Report, an estimated 81% of students receiving the scholarship were assessed as having no expected financial contribution to the cost of college. This highlights the program’s role in supporting students who have significant financial need.
“The event is about more than raising money,” Patino said. “It’s about showing foster youth that they have access to college. When we invest in education, we invest in stronger communities and a stronger Michigan.”
Returning this year is The Pillow Effect, a project of the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI), which will collect new standard pillows and pillowcases for youth entering foster care. Donations will benefit counties across Michigan, including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee.
The event will also celebrate Juneteenth, featuring live performances, guest speakers, community vendors, games and raffle prizes.
Attendees are encouraged to preregister online. All proceeds benefit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which provides financial support to eligible students attending Michigan colleges and universities.
Event sponsors are Hungry Howie’s, Park West Foundation, Michigan Education Savings Program, iHeart Media, LAFCU, Güd Marketing, Michigan Association of State Universities, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, MSU Federal Credit Union, Quality Dairy, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and WLNS-TV 6 with support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and MYOI.
Can’t attend, but want to make a difference?
Donate or register online using a credit card, or to make a donation by check, complete and submit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form along with a check made payable to the State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.
MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making donations tax deductible.
About MET
Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET is the state’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program that allows for the purchase of future college tuition credits based on today’s rates. MET, Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) and MI 529 Advisor Plan (MAP), Michigan’s three Section 529 college savings programs, offer Michigan taxpayers a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.
More information about MET is available at SETwithMET.com or 800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543).
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