Educational Resources
Michigan Educational Resources
Financial Aid
Michigan Student Aid – You can call toll free: 1-888-4-GRANTS (1-888-447-2687)
FAFSA – Complete online for Federal Aid (Grants, Loans, Work Study).
PELL Grant for Independent Students
Youth in Transition – a funding source available to cover expenses related to the development of self-sufficiency for youth, including – daily living, transportation, educational costs, mental health, housing, and much more.
Eligibility:
1.) Michigan youth who are active in the foster care system, placed out of their home based on abuse and neglect, starting at age 14 and up to age 23.
2.) Michigan youth, ages 18 to 23, that have been in foster care on or after their 14th birthday but are no longer under MDHHS/Tribal supervision.
3.) A youth who has or had an open juvenile justice case and is placed in an eligible placement under the supervision of MDHHS.
Education & Training Voucher (ETV) – The ETV program allows Michigan to provide up to $4,000 per year to a student in an accredited programs
Eligibility:
1.) Must meet all YIT eligibility requirements. Eligibility for ETV is for youth age 18 to 26
2.) Youth who were adopted on or after their 16th birthday are also eligible.
Fostering Futures Educational Scholarship – This scholarship provides eligible foster youth with funds for tuition, fees, room/board, books and supplies/equipment required for enrollment.
Eligibility:
1.) Student must have been in Michigan foster care due to abuse/neglect on or after their 13th birthday.
2.) Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution.
3.) Student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need.
4.) Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
5.) Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
6.) For renewal, student must meet institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
7.) Not be in default on a Federal student loan.
8.) There is no maximum age restriction for the student.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
Eligibility:
1.) Student must have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-consecutive month period between the ages of nine and high school graduation.
2.) Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3.) Obtain a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent prior to age 20.
4.) Students who attend a state-approved Early/Middle College have until age 21 to graduate and complete a TIP application.
5.) Begin using TIP at a participating institution within four years of high school completion.
6.) Be a Michigan resident as determined by institutional criteria.
7.) Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
8.) Not be in default on a Federal student loan.
9.) Be enrolled at least half-time.
Take A Class!
6-session on-line training – Orchards PARC offers a video training that discusses all aspects of educational and financial aid resources for older youth and young adults from Foster Care. The classes provide detailed information about the application process and resources that are available.
Colleges
Baker College of Flint – Contact LINK office at 810-766-4365.
Saginaw Valley University – Contact the F.A.S.T. Office at 989-964-2655.