In an effort to assist young adults leaving the Michigan Foster Care System, Aquinas College is offering the "Fostering Success" Scholarship Initiative. This initiative ensures that two prospective students per academic year will receive scholarships and grants covering tuition, room, board and book costs.

Currently, there are more than 18,000 children in the Michigan foster care system, 100 of which will be "aging out" in the next twelve months. Studies show that this population is at a higher risk for homelessness, unemployment, early parenting and substance abuse. Barriers to a postsecondary education are a primary factor contributing to these social and economic conditions. Because a college education has proven to reduce these risk factors, Aquinas College, through this initiative, is helping foster care youth achieve success and lead meaningful lives.

Aquinas College will award two "Fostering Success" scholarships per academic year. Recipients must be Michigan residents and must be in the Michigan foster care system at the time of high school graduation or be in foster care when they turn 18 years of age. The scholarship is renewable each year as long as the student maintains full-time status and demonstrates satisfactory academic progress.

Incoming freshman are interested in this scholarship will need to complete an application for admission and submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Recipients must also file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and complete an Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Application with the State of Michigan.

For a full list of requirements and parameters contact Aquinas College Admissions at (616) 632-2900.