Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 23, 2022 TREASURY MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Leix, 517-335-2167, [email protected] MDHHS MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@ More than $65,000 raised at 10th annual Fostering Futures Scholarship event in Detroit Nearly 400 youth eligible to receive higher education support
LANSING, Mich. – Nearly 400 foster youth are eligible to receive college scholarships following the 10th annual Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Benefit Dinner organized by the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Thursday evening’s event at the Roostertail along the banks of the Detroit River was attended by close to 200 guests who raised $61,555 for scholarships through MET, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s 529 prepaid education program. So far this year, MET has raised $68,355 for the scholarships. Both the fundraiser dinner and raffle benefit youth who have experienced foster care in Michigan. A partnership between MET and MDHHS makes Fostering Futures Scholarships possible. “Making dreams a reality is why we support the Fostering Futures Scholarship program,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, who spoke at the event. “This scholarship can make the dream of a college education come true for foster youth who may not have any other options available. None of this would be possible without each of you and your support for this outstanding program.” Approximately 10,500 youth are in the Michigan foster care system run by MDHHS. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth nationally enroll in college after high school and fewer than 3% eventually earn a degree. “Fostering Futures – investing in our students – is one of the best investments that all of us in and out of this room can make,” said Lewis Roubal, chief deputy director of opportunity for MDHHS, who also spoke at the event. “For proof, we need look no further than the former and current recipients here this evening. Whether someone wants to go on to a vocational school, an apprenticeship, or college, everyone deserves a chance and the option to pursue the path that is right for them and their goals” Carolyn Clifford, anchor for television station WXYZ Channel 7, emceed the event. Keynote speaker Stephen A. Queisser, vice president of strategic partnerships at Student Connections LLC, shared his life story as a foster parent.
“Your financial support of Fostering Futures will help a child survive whatever trauma the child may have experienced and give them an opportunity – not a handout but a hand-up – at the one thing that levels the playing field in our country, and that is a college education,” Queisser told attendees. The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides former foster care students who may not have adequate financial resources to attend college with a scholarship. During the 2022-23 academic year, 381 students at 56 institutions are eligible for support. Anyone who could not attend Thursday’s event can make donations to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund by visiting www.FosteringFutures-MI.com. Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is a Section 170 (c) non-profit organization. All contributions are eligible for an income tax deduction. Since 2012, fundraising efforts have totaled more than $1.3 million, with funds awarded as scholarships in the year they were raised. Shown above is Anya Fuller, who received a Fostering Futures Scholarship to attend Eastern Michigan University, announcing the winner of a raffle at Thursday evening’s fundraiser. She is joined onstage by Diane Brewer, MET executive director, left, and Carolyn Clifford, anchor for television station WXYZ Channel 7, right. |
$65,000 plus raised at Fostering Futures Scholarship event
