Blavin Scholars Program is designed to assist undergraduate students who have experienced foster care, kinship care and/or are navigating their educational journey without the support of their parents or guardians. We understand that students who are estranged from their families face unique challenges, including emotional, social, and financial obstacles that can hinder their academic success and overall well-being. We provide our students with a scholarship, one-on-one coaching, mentorship by a U of M Faculty or Staff, access to various campus resources, and so much more! Please feel free to review our attached program flyer and website for more information.

The Blavin Scholarship is a need-based award. Staff works closely with the Financial Aid Office and scholars to determine need, and revisits this regularly to determine the dollar amount. Support services include: Guidance through the admission and transition process, one-on-one support, access to support staff 24/7, 365 days a year, liaisons in important campus offices who are familiar with the program and the specific needs that may arise for our scholars, group gatherings aimed at improving scholars’ life skills and social supports, and emergency financial assistance. Each Blavin scholar is matched with a mentor selected from U of M’s faculty and staff. Our mentors have similar interests to our scholars and are often academically relevant, though they also provide emotional and social support.