Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS)
MI Student Aid, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)
Up to $5,000 for college costs for students who were in Michigan foster care on or after age 13; apply once, first-come first-served.
- How much
- up to $5,000
- Who qualifies
- Former foster youth (Michigan foster care due to abuse/neglect on or after age 13)
- Financial need. High school diploma or equivalent. At least half-time undergraduate, no bachelor's degree. SAP. Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year (for dependent students, the FAFSA contributor(s) must be Michigan residents too). Not in default on a federal student loan. No maximum age.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- US citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due December 31, 2026 2026-27 application open now; submit by December 31, 2026 for priority consideration. Awards are first-come, first-served.
- How to apply
- Submit the Fostering Futures Scholarship application in the MiSSG Student Portal (under My Scholarship Applications) or by phone at 888-447-2687, and file the FAFSA each year
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (michigan.gov)
The details
For students who were in Michigan foster care because of abuse or neglect on or after their 13th birthday and who show financial need. Pays up to $5,000; part of the award is restricted to tuition and mandatory fees, books and supplies. The maximum is set each year by MI Student Aid and amounts vary with need and other aid. Awards are first-come, first-served. Starting with 2026-27 you only apply once; the approval stays valid as long as you file a FAFSA each year. Usable at Michigan public community colleges, public universities and private nonprofit degree-granting colleges. No maximum age.
More money from Michigan
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship (college and university)up to $5,500 per year, up to five years (up to $27,500)
- Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarshipup to $2,000 per year for up to two years
- MI Future Educator Stipendup to $9,600 per student teaching semester (lifetime max two stipends)
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship Community College Guaranteein-district tuition, contact hours and mandatory fees (tuition-free); plus a $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus for Pell-eligible students
- Michigan Reconnectfree in-district tuition, mandatory fees and contact hours at a Michigan community college (last-dollar); out-of-district students get up to the in-district rate
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.