Family Fellowship Scholarship 2025: Honoring Our New Scholars
Every year’s Family Fellowship scholarship is always one of the most inspiring moments of the year at Foster Love. Last month, we welcomed a new group of extraordinary scholars whose stories remind us of the resilience, courage, and determination of former foster youth across the nation. We wish them luck this school year, and know they’ll do great things!
READ ABOUT OUR FELLOWS AT THE FOSTER LOVE BELIEVE GALA
Hear From Our Family Fellows
This year, we had the opportunity to hear directly from the scholars themselves. Their words are powerful reminders of what this scholarship means and how it can change lives.
“I grew up homeless, and watching my mom struggle wasn’t easy for me. It was hard not being able to provide what my family needed, and that sparked my interest in business management and entrepreneurship. During the foster care system, even though I had my younger brother, you still feel like you’re alone, and it’s hard to shake that feeling. Instead of letting it define me, I decided to let it make me stronger.”
“Three years ago, I thought I was the only person who believed my future fighting against human trafficking on a global scale, but through Foster Love and the Family Fellowship program, I found not only a family who believes in me and has told me over and over that my dreams matter but also it’s important that I need to reach my goals….From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, and every child and youth in the foster care system.”
“[This] was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure. Especially just being a former foster youth. That’s the reason why I’m here and that I deserve to be here. I just repeated that saying in my head, “Believe in myself, believe in my education, and believe in my future!”
Mandy highlighted the tangible impact of the scholarship on her education:
“This scholarship will allow me to dedicate all of my undivided attention to becoming a nurse without having to work my way through college as I have for the past two years. It reassures me that I will always have someone to rely on and that I am capable of keeping up with my classmates.”
“With this scholarship, I will be able to fully immerse myself into my academics as I go into my freshman year. I am very excited to joining clubs and feeling equal to the rest of my peers, because a lot of them are more privileged than I am. And now, I think, with this scholarship, I feel more privileged, I feel as though I have a backbone to fall on if I am down, or if I need support. Knowing that there are so many groups of people that want to see me to thrive means the world to me and I cannot wait to showcase all of my support and gratitude for everyone with my good grades and with my success.”
Words of Gratitude
One of the most meaningful parts of the Family Fellowship scholarship this year was hearing directly from the scholars afterward. Their texts and messages of thanks to one another were heartfelt reminders of why this program matters so much.
The Fellowship provides financial aid, but it also gives each scholar a sense of belonging, encouragement, and the reassurance that they are not alone in their journey. Knowing they have a community behind them is just as valuable as the scholarship funds themselves, empowering them to pursue their education with confidence and hope.
Here’s what they had to say:
Stay tuned for more updates and words from our Family Fellows soon!
The Fellowship Continues…
The Family Fellowship represents a network of support and opportunity for former foster youth. By providing financial assistance, mentorship, and a foundation for long-term success, Foster Love helps scholars focus on their education, personal growth, and future careers without the burdens that often come with foster care experiences.
Each cohort of new scholars reminds us that foster youth are capable of incredible achievements when they are given the tools, resources, and belief needed to succeed.
At Foster Love, we are proud to stand beside them as they continue their journeys through education and into their future careers. Their perseverance proves that their stories are not defined by where they have been, but by where they are going.
