Woodward Hines donates $800,000 to support foster youth college scholarships in Mississippi

The Woodward Hines Education Foundation has donated $800,000 to help approximately 170 foster children in Mississippi attend college, the organization announced Thursday.

The donation will support students affected by a funding shortfall in the FAITH Scholarship, a program established by the state legislature in 2022 to provide last-dollar financial aid for foster youth. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, fees, and other expenses after all other aid is applied.

The high demand for the scholarship exhausted the available state funds, leaving many students without assistance. The foundation’s contribution aims to ensure these students can continue their education this fall, according to a news release.

Legislators and educational leaders expressed gratitude for the donation. House Universities and Colleges Committee Chair Donnie Scoggin, a Republican, said the demand for the FAITH Scholarship indicates more foster youth are pursuing higher education. He thanked the foundation for acting quickly and said lawmakers will continue working on solutions to prevent future funding gaps.

State Rep. Bill Kinkade, a Republican and foster care alumnus, called the scholarship personally meaningful. He thanked the foundation, colleges, and universities for their support, emphasizing the importance of helping foster youth pursue a brighter future.

Anyone who received a notice from the FAITH Scholarship is encouraged to contact their financial aid office. Officials continue to seek long-term solutions to funding challenges for foster youth in higher education.

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