Augsburg Family Scholars

Augsburg Family Scholars (AFS) is the only college-based program in the state of Minnesota designed to narrow the opportunity gap for students with foster care backgrounds. The program is open to any Augsburg student who has spent time in the U.S. foster care system. Many AFS members are also eligible for Minnesota’s Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant, a state financial aid program that covers tuition, room and board, textbooks, some supplies, and fees at participating institutions, including Augsburg.

Augsburg Family Scholars adds to this foundation by providing comprehensive support that reflects the unique strengths and challenges shared by students with foster care backgrounds. The program is designed to reduce students’ financial vulnerabilities, nurture their academic progress, and build community throughout their college journey.

ELIGIBILITY

The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is available to students who were in the Minnesota foster care system at any point after their 13th birthday, and who are currently younger than 27.

The Augsburg Family Scholars program is designed to work in tandem with this state-level support, but is open to any new or returning undergraduate student with a foster care background in the U.S. regardless of the age and state in which they were in the system.