LANSING, Mich. – Michigan students who experienced foster care are eligible to receive college scholarships through money raised at the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Benefit Dinner in Grand Rapids on April 14.

The seventh annual Grand Rapids Fostering Futures Scholarship event is being held from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, in Grand Rapids. The cost to attend is $100 or $800 for a table of eight.

"Every dollar helps raise money so young adults who experienced foster care can realize their dream of a college education," said Robin Lott, director of Treasury's Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. "The need for scholarship funds has not diminished in the past year. Your donation, big or small, will positively impact our youth."

The event includes dinner, a variety of raffle opportunities and an opportunity to see the annual Fred and Dorothy Fichter Butterflies are Blooming exhibition with more than 7,000 tropical butterflies. Lauren "Shmitty" Smith, of iHeart Media in West Michigan, will be the Emcee for the evening. 

The Michigan Education Trust, Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are again teaming up to host the fundraiser. All proceeds from reservations, sponsorships and raffle items are awarded as scholarships to former foster youth currently enrolled at Michigan colleges and universities.

Reservation information is available at www.michigan.gov/fosteringfutures. Individuals who cannot attend the event may donate to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund online.

Close to 10,000 youth are in the Michigan foster care system run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth enroll in college after high school and fewer than 3% eventually earn a degree.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides former Michigan foster care students who may not have adequate financial resources to attend college with a scholarship to a Michigan college or university. During the 2022-23 academic year, 429 students at 53 different institutions are eligible for support.   

Last year about 467 students received the award, of which 298 were attending college in West Michigan.

Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is a Section 170(c) organization, so all contributions are eligible for an income tax deduction.

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