Fostering Success Michigan – Easy Financial Aid Guide For Michigan Students with Experience in Foster Care
Paying for college or job training can feel confusing — but you are not alone.
Michigan has many programs that can help you pay for school, housing, supplies, and more.
This guide will show you what to do and where to get help.
*This is our EASY version of the financial aid guide. If you would like a more detailed version click here. If you are a supportive adult helping a student work through this content, click here for tips!
⭐ First: What You Need to Know
College is not automatically free, even for students with foster care experience.
BUT — you may qualify for a lot of financial aid, and many students pay very little out of pocket.
This support can help you:
- Go to college or career training
- Buy books and supplies
- Get help with housing
- Stay in school
- Graduate with less debt
⭐ How to Use This Guide
- Go at your own pace. This stuff takes time.
- Jump around the guide. Use the parts you need right now.
- Ask for help. People want to support you.
- Keep important papers in one place. A folder or email file works great.
This is the first step to getting money for school.
Apply here (FREE): https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Why FAFSA matters:
It tells colleges how much help you can get, like:
- Grants (free money)
- Scholarships
- Work-study jobs
- Loans if you need them
You Are an “Independent Student”
If you were in foster care after age 13, you count as independent.
This means you don’t need parent info, and you can often get more support.
Your worker should give you a DHHS-945 form. Keep a copy for schools.
Need help proving foster care history?
Ann Rossi, DHHS: rossia@michigan.gov
FAFSA Tips
- Use your own email and phone number.
- List any colleges you’re thinking about.
- Keep your password somewhere safe.
- Respond quickly if a school asks for documents.
Need FAFSA help?
FAFSA Help Center: https://studentaid.gov/help-center
This is where you apply for Michigan financial aid.
Create an account: https://missg.guarantorsolutions.com/StudentPortal/Login
You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your own email
- A password you won’t forget
Michigan Programs That Can Help You
1. Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
Helps pay for community college and some university programs.
Learn more:
https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/tuition-incentive-program
If you didn’t get your letter but think you qualify:
mistudentaid@michigan.gov
888-447-2687
2. Fostering Futures Scholarship
For students who were in foster care after age 13.
Helps pay for:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Housing
- Books + supplies
Learn more or apply:
https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/fostering-futures-scholarship
3. Michigan Achievement Scholarship
For students graduating in 2023 or later.
Learn more:
https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/michigan-achievement-scholarship
Community College Guarantee
Tuition-free in-district community college for many students.
https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/michigan-achievement-scholarship/community-college-guarantee
4. Michigan Reconnect (Age 25+)
Helps adults go to community college for free or low-cost.
Learn more:
https://www.michigan.gov/reconnect
5. Foster Youth in Transition (FYIT)
Helps pay for:
- Application fees
- Testing fees
- Graduation costs
- Independent living needs
Learn more:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/fyit
6. Education & Training Voucher (ETV)
Money for college or job training for foster youth (up to age 26 in many cases).
Learn more:
https://mietv.samaritas.org/
Apply:
https://mietv.samaritas.org/apply.aspx
Need help?
1-877-660-METV (6388)
Scholarships
Scholarships = free money you don’t pay back.
Where to find them:
⚠️ Avoid scams!
Never pay to apply for a scholarship.
If you are interested in a more descriptive financial aid guide, click here!
