Fostering Futures Scholarship recipients Jason Lewis and Sunshine Weather have found a stable home at Grand Canyon University (GCU) through the university’s unique program for students transitioning out of foster care. The scholarship offers year-round board and tuition, including summer housing, providing stability to those who lack traditional family support.
Jason Lewis, an incoming junior majoring in Christian studies, has moved 28 times due to his parents’ addiction issues. Now settled at GCU, he says, “It’s easier for me to understand that this is where I am supposed to be – there’s really nowhere else to go.” He lives on campus throughout the year and appreciates the community he has found there.
Brandi Turner, Fostering Futures Student Administrator, plays a crucial role in supporting these students. She is launching a food pantry in the department’s new headquarters at Papago Apartments. Turner notes that many students run out of dining dollars and lack support: “I found myself so often at Walmart or utilizing CityServe to get food items that the community donates.”
Lewis is actively working towards graduating in three years while interviewing for jobs. His journey from a troubled past includes overcoming personal challenges after losing contact with his father and experiencing depression during high school. A pivotal moment came when his wrestling coach introduced him to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Sunshine Weather also benefits from the scholarship program. Born in Haiti and raised across several states before entering foster care, she now calls GCU home. Weather emphasizes the importance of having a place she can call her own: “Because I came from the foster system, all that home is is where we make it.”
Weather aims to become a therapist after being inspired by her classes in behavioral health and psychology. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity provided by GCU: “It was like someone finally said, you deserve to be here.”
Both students have integrated into campus life through activities such as Bible studies and clubs while balancing work and academics.
