The Fostering Futures Scholarship serves undergraduates who experienced Michigan foster care due to abuse or neglect at age 13 or later. There is no maximum age, but applicants need financial need, a high-school diploma or equivalent, and at least half-time enrollment at a participating institution. The amount varies with need and other aid; the program lists a maximum of up to $5,000 and warns that funds are limited and awarded in the order complete applications are received.
For 2026–27, students need a current FAFSA and the separate FFS application in MiSSG, along with Michigan residency since July 1 of the previous calendar year, satisfactory academic progress, and the citizenship or eligible status listed by the program. The published priority deadline is December 31, 2026. A change this cycle is that an approved application may remain valid in later years if the student files a FAFSA each year and continues meeting the other conditions; report a college change through the portal.
The scholarship may be applied to tuition and mandatory fees, books and supplies, and part of the cost of attendance, subject to program limits and coordination with other aid. It is not a promise of $5,000 or a direct cash payment. Ask the college financial-aid office for an estimated balance, participation confirmation, and which expenses count. If your foster-care experience was in another state, ask MiLEAP before applying: the published rule concerns Michigan foster care, and case documentation can be decisive.
Before accepting aid, compare the net balance with tuition, fees, and other costs; confirm requirements and deadlines with the official source and ask the college financial-aid office for guidance.
Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.
Fostering Futures: elegibilidad y solicitud 2026–27 — Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.
Instituciones públicas participantes y calendario — MI Student Aid.
MiSSG: portal estatal del estudiante — Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Requirements, funding, and deadlines correspond to the stated cycle and may change. An estimate or preliminary eligibility does not guarantee an award; confirm your file, covered costs, and obligations with the agency and the college financial-aid office.
Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, dates, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS)
The Fostering Futures Scholarship serves undergraduates who experienced Michigan foster care due to abuse or neglect at age 13 or later. There is no maximum age, but applicants need financial need, a high-school diploma or equivalent, and at least half-time enrollment at a participating institution. The amount varies with need and other aid; the program lists a maximum of up to $5,000 and warns that funds are limited and awarded in the order complete applications are received
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
MI Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS) ↗
Primary source
MI Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS) ↗
Primary source
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.