Treasury: Fostering Futures Scholarship Application Deadline Now Aug.1

oung adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday now have more time to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship application period for academic year 2021-22 will stay open until Aug. 1. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.

"As Michigan emerges out of the pandemic, we want to make sure all eligible applicants have more time to apply for this very important scholarship," said Robin Lott, director of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. "A Fostering Futures Scholarship can make a real difference in the lives of our foster care youth who aspire to attend college. Every dollar helps create opportunities."

Since 2012, fundraising efforts have totaled more than $1.3 million. This money has been raised through individual donations, group donations, sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions and many volunteer-based fundraising events.

The next fundraising event -- Pizza Party on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn -- is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 5. Hungry Howie's Pizza, Independent Bank, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative are sponsors.

Most of the funds raised have been awarded as scholarships; however, the donor has the option to designate their contribution to the education endowment that supplies investment income for scholarships.

To learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship, go to http://www.fosteringfutures-mi.com.

Fostering Futures Scholarship applicants with questions should contact the state Treasury Department's Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach Division at [email protected] or call toll-free at 1-888-4-GRANTS (888-447-2687).