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Treasury: Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Raises Nearly $92,000 at Detroit Gala
September 21, 2026
More Than $150,000 Raised for Foster Youth in 2026
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan youth who have experienced foster care will have expanded access to college scholarships thanks to the dollars raised at the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund’s Detroit Fundraiser Gala.
Organized by the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Sept. 18 event at the Motor City Casino in Detroit was attended by 345 guests who raised nearly $92,000 for scholarships. Overall, more than $150,000 in scholarships has been raised for foster youth from fundraisers in 2026.
Both MET and the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund are administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
“The Fostering Futures Scholarship is about action and about demonstrating our commitment to the hopes, dreams and achievements of young people across our state who have experienced foster care,” said Deputy Treasurer Jill Trepkoski, who oversees Treasury’s Financial and Administrative Services business areas. “The dollars raised at our fundraisers directly remove barriers and create opportunities. I am proud to report that during this academic year, more than 500 students have received more than $2 million in scholarship support.”
A partnership between MET and MDHHS makes Fostering Futures Scholarships possible. Close to 10,000 youth are in the foster care system run by MDHHS, underscoring the importance of programs like the Fostering Futures Scholarship.
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 Trust Fund provides former foster care youth who may not have adequate financial resources to attend college with scholarships to Michigan colleges and universities. More than 500 students who experienced foster care were aided by a Fostering Futures Scholarship in 2025-26 school year, according to the MI Student Aid office.
Those who could not attend the event can make donations to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund by visiting FosteringFutures-MI.com.
Sponsors of the Detroit event included iHeart Media, Güd Marketing, Lake Trust Credit Union, Michigan Education Savings Program, Metro Parent, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Park West Foundation, Ferris State University, GRS Consulting, Michigan College Access Network, Orchards Children’s Services, Brogan & Partners, Carol Garibaldi, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and WXYZ-TV 7 in Detroit.
About the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund
The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, housed in the Michigan Department of Treasury, is a Sec. 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 re-established as an endowment and scholarship trust fund in 2015 by amendment to Public Act 525 of 2008.
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