News & Events

First State Bank Establishes College Scholarship Program for Foster Youth

Apr 04, 2018

St. Clair Shores, Michigan (April 4, 2018) -- First State Bank (FSB) reaffirmed its commitment to providing educational opportunities within the community with the announcement of a new $10,000 scholarship program for foster students attending Macomb County Community College.

The First State Bank Scholarship for Foster Students, donated to Macomb Community College Foundation, will provide ten (10) foster students with scholarships of $1,000 each for the academic year at Macomb Community College. The awards cover tuition, fees, books and other educational expenses. To be eligible for this scholarship, students need a minimum GPA 2.5 or higher from high school or Macomb Community College as well as documentation that they have been through the Foster Care System.  Students can reapply for this scholarship annually. For information about the scholarship and to apply, go to https://macomb.academicworks.com/.

For most teens, graduating from high school is a milestone. The occasion is even more momentous for foster children. Removed from their families due to abuse or neglect, foster children often attend multiple schools while bouncing from one temporary home to another. “Children in foster care must overcome insurmountable odds to complete high school without the benefit of family support. I am so pleased we are able to present them with this scholarship opportunity,” said Eugene Lovell, president and CEO, First State Bank.  “Our success as a business, and as a community, depends upon our youngest members growing and thriving in a complex, diverse economy.  Macomb Community College understands this, and stands committed to help these students meet their educational needs.”

First State Bank became acutely aware of the special needs of foster kids during its community philanthropy efforts in 2017. During the year, local non-profits were nominated to receive a

$5,000 donation, which the bank awarded bimonthly. One such recipient was Friends of Foster Kid’s Hats Off to Grads program. Hats Off to Grads honored 41 graduating foster children. Each graduate received a special gift, along with a care package of essentials to help the child on the next step of their journey – whether they’re moving on to college or independent living.

The establishment of the scholarship fund not only aligns with FSB’s mission to help families and businesses reach their goals, but also with Macomb Community College’s mission of education enrichment and economic development. “Macomb Community College is deeply appreciative of First State Bank’s support in connecting foster youth to meaningful education that leads to in-demand career pathways,” said James O. Sawyer IV, Ed.D., president, Macomb Community College.  “We applaud First State Bank’s leadership as a local business committed to making a tangible difference in our community’s economic vitality by helping ensure that foster students get the education necessary for success.”

First State Bank is headquartered in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. With over a 100 years of service and $682 million in assets, First State Bank serves Macomb County with 11 branch offices located in Chesterfield Township, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Macomb Township, Richmond, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Washington Township and a Loan Center in Clinton Township. For more information, please visit www.fsb.bank or call 866-372-1275.