My Future Fund Celebrates $2 Million Milestone
“Dream Big” and “Above and Beyond” awards recognize area schools and local leaders
Washtenaw County, Mich. – Over 21,000 Washtenaw students in grades 2-8 have had their college and career dreams jump started with more than$2 million allocated to them through My Future Fund, a county-wide early scholarship program made possible with funding from the Washtenaw CountyGovernment. Before welcoming all first grade students in Spring 2026, the program’s Rise and Shine Breakfast highlighted the broad community support and accomplishments of local schools and community partners for reaching the $2million milestone.
“We want every child in Washtenaw County to know their community believes in them,” expressed Sara Saylor, Coordinator of My Future Fund. “We believe in their potential and their futures, and we are invested in their success.”
My Future Fund provides early scholarship accounts for all current second through eighth grade students enrolled in a Washtenaw County public school. Every account starts with $25, plus one in three students qualifies fora $475 bonus deposit based on family income. Money saved in the accounts can be used for various college and career training expenses after high school graduation. Of the $2 million already allocated, more than 75% of funds have gone to students from lower income families.
“This program is a game changer for all students, but especially students from under-resourced families and communities,” shared Washtenaw County Commissioner Justin Hodge. Hodge championed the creation of the program.“We are so proud to partner with schools, community partners, and most importantly, students and families, so every child has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.”
The Rise and Shine Breakfast recognized schools and community partners who went above and beyond to engage and enroll students and families in the program.
The “Big Dream Award” award represents the school from each school district with the highest family engagement or largest percentage of families who claimed their $475 bonus deposit. The award winners recognized were:
- Childs Elementary (Lincoln Consolidated Schools)
- Ford Early Learning Center (Ypsilanti Community Schools)
- Perry Early Learning Center (Ypsilanti Community Schools)
- Fortis Academy (public school academy)
- Klager Elementary School (Manchester Community Schools)
- Riverside Intermediate School (Manchester Community Schools)
- Manchester Community Schools
“Above and Beyond Awards” were given to individuals or groups who championed the program in their school communities:
- Alexandra Quada (Bright Futures - Community Partner)
- Donna Bentley (Lincoln Community Schools)
- Vicki Coury (Lincoln Community Schools)
- Kathryn Altherr (Manchester Community Schools)
- Michal Lorenc (AFC Ann Arbor - Donor Award)
- Ann Arbor Public Schools
My Future Fund staff will be attending school events throughout the fall, so families can look for them to learn more and ask questions.Families can get the details and unlock all the benefits of the My Future Fund program, including the $475 bonus deposit if they qualify, by completing the information form by December 31, 2025. The information form is available on the My Future Fund website at www.myfuturefund.org.
