The FAM Scholarship Fund allows Members to water those seeds of greatness inside. Whether it’s heading to college, getting a technical certification, or taking a professional development course, each opportunity to learn and expand their talents helps foster alumni bloom more fully into themselves.
FAM is currently developing eligibility criteria and complementary programs (in addition to tuition and basic needs) and seeks to launch these offerings in 2024. To be one of the first to know about how the scholarship fund will be directed and how you can participate, please sign up for our monthly newsletter.
In 2021, a memorial scholarship was established by Foster Alumni Mentors (FAM) in honor of Sylvia Aynn Richards (March 24, 2010 – November 9, 2019)—a FAMily Member taken too soon. To help process this heartbreaking loss, we wanted to create a way for her legacy to live on by supporting the lives of others. With wonderful support systems in place for foster alumni, and with our founder being a graduate herself, this scholarship fund is available exclusively for students planning to attend Colorado Mesa University (CMU) in Grand Junction, Colorado. Anyone who was in the foster care system is eligible to apply for a scholarship. Please contact the CMU Financial Aid Office for more information about the scholarship application process.
In 2023, our initial endowment fund goal of $25,000 was reached, though we would love to continue to grow its foundation to ensure any foster alumni are free from barriers to academic success. Please consider donating to this specific fund by clicking the button below.
Sylvia loved to learn and read, often taking time to read books to her little sister, whom she adored.
A lover of animals and nature, Sylvia spent many days on her grandparents’ farm driving the tractor and using her imagination to create outdoor adventures. She was a loving caretaker for her pets and also enjoyed tending to the chickens on the farm.
Though she participated in Girls on the Run and discovered she hated running, she never gave up. She was always very active and enjoyed dancing, gymnastics, roller skating, and riding her bike. Music was always a big part of her life, and she took every opportunity to dance and sing, much to the enjoyment of her family and anyone else in her presence.
Through her love of anime, Sylvia engaged her creative mind and established several strong friendships.
Most of all, Sylvia loved her family and she is missed deeply by all those who loved her.
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