Great Lakes Wire

Nearly 430 foster youth in Michigan are set to receive college scholarships following the 12th annual Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Benefit Dinner. The event, organized by the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), was held at Motor City Casino in Detroit.

The dinner, attended by over 200 guests including Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, raised $101,590 for scholarships through MET, a 529 prepaid education program managed by the Michigan Department of Treasury. This brings the total amount raised this year to more than $151,000.

“Every young person exiting foster care deserves the support and resources they need to chase their dreams,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “I was proud to join the 12th annual Fostering Futures Event, which has raised more than $1.4 million for students since 2012. Governor Whitmer and I will keep working hard to foster brighter futures for Michiganders and the state we all love.”

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks emphasized the long-term commitment to supporting foster youth: “The Michigan Department of Treasury and partners have been working for more than a decade to bring hope and resources to Michigan’s foster youth,” she said. “The funds we raise together demonstrate our compassion and our belief in the hopes, dreams, and achievements of Michigan’s youth who have experienced foster care. For this academic year, we have awarded 429 students more than $1 million in scholarships. All contributions make a difference in our communities.”

Rachel Willis from MDHHS highlighted the impact of these scholarships: “Fostering Futures is a life-changing resource for so many of Michigan’s youth,” she said. “Investing in students and helping them achieve their dreams is one of the most meaningful investments we can make as individuals, as organizations and as a state.”

Carolyn Clifford from WXYZ Channel 7 emceed the event, while Paul Blavin delivered a keynote speech focusing on his philanthropic work aimed at transforming lives.

“Talent is widespread in our society unfortunately, opportunity is not,” Blavin remarked.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund aims to assist former foster care students who may lack financial resources for college. During the 2024-25 academic year, 429 students across 56 institutions are eligible for support.