Hello!


AFFCF is pleased to bring you the latest information about the resources you need to help you and your student get ready for post-secondary studies.

LIFT OFF YOUTH CONFERENCE:

SATURDAY 2/7/26

OR SATURDAY 3/7/26

Registration is now OPEN for the Lift Off: Journey Towards Possibilities Youth Conference!

 

A free, half-day conference for youth and young adults to explore post-secondary education opportunities, learn about financial aid options, and prepare for college.


This conference is targeted to youth and young adults who are in foster care and who are either currently in high school, pursuing their GED, or have recently graduated but have not yet enrolled in college.


Youth and young adults will learn about multiple post-secondary opportunities that are available to them, including:

  • Financial Aid
  • Getting into College
  • Preparing for College
  • Community College / Trade School options


A few things to note:


Do I need to attend both dates? 

No! There are two dates for the same conference: February 7th at ASU – Tempe and March 7th at Glendale Community College. The two dates are provided to ensure that as many youth as possible can attend the conference that is closest to them. Please make sure that you and/or your youth sign up only for the date you plan to attend. 

 

Who is this conference for? 

This conference is designed for youth and young adults who are in high school, pursuing their GED, or who have recently graduated. It aims to provide information about various post-secondary options. 

 

I am a supportive adult; can I attend with my youth? 

Yes! You are encouraged to attend with your youth or with multiple youth from your caseload. This information is beneficial for everyone! If you are from a group home and are bringing multiple youth, please ensure that a staff member accompanies them.

 

What can be expected during the conference?

Learning, connecting, and planning for the future. There will be workshops from different colleges and universities as well as workshops on financial and preparing for college. There will also be resource tables from different agencies to support students in college. Food will be provided.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

There are many scholarship opportunities available for students to apply for during January and February ahead of starting the Fall 2026 semester!

 

AFFCF will provide more detailed information in future e-mails:


1) Arizona Community Foundation Scholarship 

Complete one application and be matched to scholarships based on your eligibility.


Arizona Community Foundation Scholarships

 

2) Nina Mason Pulliam Scholarship 

For students attending either the Maricopa Community Colleges or Arizona State University. Specifically for students with foster care backgrounds with fewer than 24 college credits earned.


Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarship 

at the Maricopa Community Colleges


Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholarship

at Arizona State University

 

3) The Dream US Scholarship

For students who are not eligible for complete the FAFSA.


The Dream US

 

4) The Obama Scholarship

If you have already been admitted to Arizona State University and have not yet completed the FAFSA, complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA by today (1/15/26) to be considered for the Obama Scholarship at ASU.


FAFSA

Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with post-secondary resources!


Another way to learn more about different financial aid options for post-secondary education for students with foster care backgrounds is by downloading the AFFCF Post-Secondary Education Resource Guide. All of the links are clickable.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.


Sincerely,




Erika Klotz

Post-Secondary Program Manager

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

Office: (602) 775-5786

Cell: (480) 881-1354

www.affcf.org

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