Fostering Futures
“We strive to ensure that private, Christian education is within reach for all — and students who have aged out of the state’s foster care system should be no exception.”
—Brian Mueller, Grand Canyon University President
About Fostering Futures at Grand Canyon University:
In Fall 2022, GCU launched Fostering Futures, a program dedicated to ensuring the success of students transitioning out of foster care. Fostering Futures offers community, mentorship, resources, life skills, tutoring, and student worker opportunities. As a student who has experienced foster care, deciding to earn your higher education degree is a major accomplishment that will have an incredible impact on your future. We are excited that you are here at GCU!
Steps to Apply:
Step 1: Complete your Pre-Certification GCU Admissions will help confirm with Arizona Department of Child Safety that you meet the eligibility requirements. If you believe you qualify, start by emailing fosteringfutures@gcu.edu and an admissions counselor will be in touch with you shortly.
Step 2: Apply and be Accepted to GCU Ask your admissions counselor how they can help with this process, or head to apply.gcu.edu to get started.
Step 3: Complete the Fostering Futures Scholarship Application You will be asked to complete a brief application so we can get to know you better. You will also submit a letter of recommendation from a non-related adult who knows you well. A committee will review your application and confirm whether you’ve been accepted to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Program.
Testimonial
“The scholarship offered more than just financial support. I had people on campus who were there to help me with any issues I had. I wasn’t sure how [the mentorship program] was going to work, but I’ve met with my mentor a few times, and I’ve just loved our time together. Another wonderful feature of the Fostering Futures Scholarships is the academic support.
The scholarship is an amazing program that offers a wide range of support to children in foster care who otherwise would miss out on this incredible experience.”
Scholarship FAQs:
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Tuition & Fees for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
Year-round room and board (Fall/Spring/Summer terms)
Specialized Admissions Counselors & Student Services Counselors
Orientation to prepare you for GCU
Access to items available via CityServe
Access to any Fostering Futures events held on campus
Tutoring through Academic & Career Excellence (ACE)
GCU Mentor
Student worker opportunities
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Must be accepted to GCU and maintain full-time undergraduate status
Must complete the Fostering Futures scholarship application and submit a letter of recommendation
Must be a US citizen and a resident of Arizona
Must be eligible for the Arizona Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
Must be enrolled in Arizona Extended Foster Care Program
Must provide authorization via a Student Information Release Form (SIRF) to AZ Department of Child Safety
Must comply with all student conduct and code of conduct requirements as outlined in the University Policy Handbook
Must attend required meetings and events for Fostering Futures Scholars, which may include orientation, trainings, academic success meetings, Case Manager meetings, and meetings with on-campus support staff.
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If you meet the eligibility requirements and would like to apply, email FosteringFutures@gcu.edu. An admissions counselor will help confirm your eligibility, collect necessary documents, and assist with each step in the admissions process.
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Year-round housing in a triple occupancy room and the minimum required meal plan are included in the scholarship. You may choose to upgrade your housing or meal plan at your own expense. Learn more about the cost to upgrade and more information about housing and meal plans here!
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In addition to all the health, mental health, and academic support that GCU offers to all of its students, Fostering Futures students will also have access to a specialized Admissions Counselor and Student Services Counselor. You will also meet regularly with a GCU mentor and the Fostering Futures Student Administrator, who will help connect you to resources and ensure your continued success.
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As part of your scholarship agreement, you are required to attend the Fostering Futures Orientation, the Scholarship Ceremony, and the Mentorship Luncheon. We also host learning workshops and social events throughout the semester for you to learn and connect!
Fostering Futures Scholarship Orientation - Come learn more about the resources, opportunities, and events offered for you as a scholarship recipient!
Scholarship Ceremony – Receiving the FF scholarship is a huge accomplishment and we want to honor you at this event!
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Fostering Futures Students follow the general move-in process, learn more about that here. We have a dedicated team who will help you move onto campus if needed. Fill out the form below if you have any questions! During Welcome Week, you will attend Welcome Week events, participate in orientation group activities and meet new and returning students. You will also attend the Fostering Futures Scholarship Ceremony and be officially commissioned into the Herd. See you on campus!
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The scholarship is made up of Pell Grant funds, the federal Education Tuition Voucher, the AZ Department of Child Safety and a GCU scholarship
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Of course! GCU offers a variety of tour options. Sign up to tour campus Monday-Saturday or attend our special Discover GCU trip where you can stay on campus and live like a GCU student for a few days! Ask your admissions counselor or head to our schedule a visit page for more info.
