A fundraiser at a Detroit casino raised nearly $92,000 for scholarships for young people aging out of Michigan's foster care system, the Michigan Department of Treasury announced.
The Sept. 18 event at Motor City Casino was attended by 345 guests and organized by the Michigan Education Trust and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Overall, more than $150,000 in scholarships have been raised from fundraisers in 2026.
More than 500 students who experienced foster care received more than $2 million in scholarship support during the 2025-26 school year, according to the department. Close to 10,000 youth are currently in Michigan's foster care system.
The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides former foster care youth with scholarships to attend Michigan colleges and universities. The program was established in 2012 to provide scholarships to students who have experienced foster care and do not have adequate financial resources to attend college.
"The dollars raised at our fundraisers directly remove barriers and create opportunities," said Deputy Treasurer Jill Trepkoski in a statement.