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
About 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.
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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program