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.

 

�� STEP 1: Fill Out the FAFSA

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

 

�� STEP 2: Make Your MiSSG Account

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:

• Your college’s financial aid office
• Your academic department
• Michigan scholarship search tool: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-families/plan/scholarships
• Google (use keywords like “foster care scholarships” or “nursing scholarships”)

⚠️ Avoid scams!
Never pay to apply for a scholarship.

If you are interested in a more descriptive financial aid guide, click here!