The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund will hold its Making a Difference Gala on April 10, aiming to raise funds for scholarships that help young people who have experienced foster care pursue higher education. The event will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Grand Rapids.
The scholarship fund addresses financial barriers faced by former foster youth as they work toward college degrees, an important step given their lower rates of postsecondary completion compared to national averages.
Megan Patino, executive director of the Michigan Education Trust, which oversees the Fostering Futures program, said, “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. This event helps directly fund students across Michigan, turning educational goals into achievable futures.”
Alison “Alie” Hosinski, a senior at Grand Valley State University and recipient of the scholarship for three years, shared her experience: “The Fostering Futures Scholarship has allowed me to focus on my education without financial stress. 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.”
Nationally, between 69% and 85% of students with foster care experience complete high school by their mid-20s; however, only about 8% to 11% go on to earn an associate degree or higher—five times lower than the national average—according to research from the University of Connecticut’s study “Secondary and Postsecondary Education Outcomes of Students With Experience in Foster Care.” Since its founding in 2012, more than $6.7 million has been donated to the trust fund.
This year’s gala will feature keynote speaker Michael Fenning—a former foster youth and U.S. Marine Corps veteran—who will discuss his experiences and emphasize higher education’s importance for this population. The evening includes raffle prizes such as a VIP dining experience by caterer YoChef.
Tickets are available for $100 per person or $800 per table; details can be found through the Fostering Futures Scholarship Event website or by calling their office number. Those unable to attend may donate online or via mail using a contribution form provided by organizers.
Sponsors include organizations such as Michigan Education Savings Program and Western Michigan University Seita Scholars Program among others supporting this initiative.
Established within the Michigan Department of Treasury under Section 170(c), The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides scholarships specifically for former foster youth enrolled at colleges across Michigan.
