Found a permanent dwelling year-round after being homeless.
Two Students Thrive at Grand Canyon University with Fostering Futures Scholarship
Two students, Jason Lewis and Sunshine Weather, have found a supportive environment at Grand Canyon University (GCU) thanks to the Fostering Futures Scholarship. This program, part of GCU’s broader commitment to social support initiatives, is designed to help students who have experienced foster care.
Jason Lewis's Journey
Jason Lewis, a car mechanic by trade, has lived on GCU’s campus for an entire year due to the Fostering Futures Scholarship. He joined Bible studies and the swing dance club, finding a supportive community that eased his anxiety. Unfortunately, Jason's father committed suicide in 2021, leaving a group chat suicide note. Despite this tragic event, Jason remains resilient, working 35 hours a week to cover his expenses.
Sunshine Weather's Transformation
Born in Haiti and raised in various states, Sunshine Weather was placed in a group home at the age of 16 due to a dangerous environment. She found her anxiety eased on campus, joining Bible studies and The Gathering. Sunshine's apartment is filled with donations from GCU’s CityServe, and she works as a waitress this summer, in addition to taking classes. She is pursuing a career as a therapist, inspired by her classes in behavioral health and psychology.
Community Support
The Fostering Futures Scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also connects students with community support resources. Twenty students in the program are living on campus this summer, with the scholarship covering board, tuition, and summer expenses. The food pantry, located in Papago Apartments, will provide students with closer access to dietitians and behavioral health case managers.
Brandi Turner, the program's student administrator, is launching a food pantry in the department’s new headquarters. This additional resource will further support students in overcoming barriers common to foster youth, such as financial hardship and lack of guidance.
If you are interested in the Fostering Futures Scholarship, contacting Grand Canyon University directly would provide the most precise guidance on eligibility criteria and application processes.
[1] Grand Canyon University, "Fostering Futures Scholarship," https://www.gcu.edu/scholarships/fostering-futures-scholarship.php [4] Grand Canyon University, "Fostering Futures Scholarship & Program," https://www.gcu.edu/scholarships/fostering-futures-scholarship-program.php
- The Fostering Futures Scholarship at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is part of their broader commitment to supporting students who have experienced foster care.
- Jason Lewis, a student at GCU, found a supportive community in the Bible studies and swing dance club after living on the GCU campus for a year thanks to the Fostering Futures Scholarship.
- Sunshine Weather, another student recipient of the Fostering Futures Scholarship, found her anxiety eased on campus, joining Bible studies and The Gathering, and living in an apartment filled with donations.
- The Fostering Futures Scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also connects students with community support resources, including resources for dietitians and behavioral health case managers.
- Brandi Turner, the program's student administrator, is launching a food pantry in the department’s new headquarters to further support students in overcoming barriers common to foster youth.
- Interested individuals should contact Grand Canyon University directly for guidance on eligibility criteria and application processes for the Fostering Futures Scholarship.
