Who We Are

Fostering Success Michigan centers students — their stories, their data, their potential. This student-first approach, grounded in research and policy, has helped shift narratives and dismantle barriers for youth who have experienced foster care.

Increasing access and success for youth from foster care

Fostering Success Michigan builds a statewide network that connects youth with foster care experience to education, opportunity, and support—transforming educational and career outcomes across Michigan.

Our mission is to increase access and success in postsecondary education among Michigan’s students with experience in foster care through the building of a holistic network that insulates (i.e., strengthens protective factors and reduces risks) the education to career “pipeline” for students from foster care.

Who We Are

Fostering Success Michigan (FSM) was launched in 2012 through a shared commitment among college campuses, community agencies, and dedicated professionals to better support students with experience in foster care as they pursued higher education. What began as a collaborative effort to identify best practices has grown into a powerful, statewide movement.

Today, FSM connects more than 30 college and university campuses across Michigan, supported by strong partnerships with state agencies, legislative champions, private organizations, and philanthropic leaders. Together, these partners work to remove barriers, align systems, and expand opportunity for young people impacted by the child welfare system.

FSM serves as Michigan’s central network for resources, training, and connection—supporting professionals, supportive adults, and students with lived experience in foster care. Through the FSM Network, campus-based support programs and champions provide critical on-campus services, including tuition assistance, personalized coaching, and comprehensive student support.

Meet Our Network