Dollars for Foster Scholars - June 2, 2023 Gala

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Bravo Programs of America

Opening Doors for Foster Youths Since 2012

Opening Doors for Foster Youths Since 2012 Opening Doors for Foster Youths Since 2012

Our Vision

We envision a world where youths who have experienced foster care have the same career opportunities and income potential as their non-foster care peers. 

Today's Reality

Unfortunately, this world doesn't exist today

Imagine being taken from your home and sent to live in foster care. Even if it is in your best interest, being removed from your home and family is life-altering. National statistics show the long-term impact that foster care has on children. Foster youths are 11 times more likely to experience homelessness and six times more likely to spend time in prison. And only 3% graduate from college. Losing your family should not equate to losing out on a productive future. Yet, this seems to be the case with foster youths. 


We believe that providing foster youths a path to higher education, be it college or trade school, will give them the means to achieve financial stability and personal independence and avoid the circumstances that lead people to homelessness and prison. 


But, for foster youths, it’s not only about money. It is about opportunity equality—a real chance to lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. And an equal opportunity to achieve their American Dream.

Why do kids enter foster care?

Only 8% enter foster care because of their behavior. The rest suffer the consequences of others' bad decisions.

Find out more

Why Higher Education?

Higher levels of education lead to higher earning potential

Higher Earning Potential

Higher Earning Potential

Higher Earning Potential

Base salary increases with educational attainment.

Higher levels of education lead to lower levels of unemployment

Increased Employability

Higher Earning Potential

Higher Earning Potential

Unemployment rates decline with higher levels of education.

Higher levels of education lead to higher net worth

Personal Wealth

Higher Earning Potential

Personal Wealth

Net Worth climbs as people go up the educational ladder.

The above information is from the US Census Bureau reports reflecting data from 2019

Our Origin

In the summer of 2012, John Iras was helping Ellen Lysik install a French drain in her yard. They knew each other from their involvement with Big Families of Michigan, a charity that supports foster youths under 18 years of age. 


As they worked, they talked about the lifelong struggles faced by foster kids. They knew programs to support them once they turned 18 were almost nonexistent. 


By the time the drain was complete, John and Ellen committed to taking action. They would provide foster youths with a path to higher education.  Bravo Programs of America was born.

Co-founders John Iras and Ellen Lysik

Our Evolution

Our Mission

From Vision to Reality

Incorporated in 2013, we were awarded 501(c)(3) Charity status in 2014.


Our mission is to provide foster youths with a path to higher education. We award scholarships to deserving foster youths, ages 18 through 26, who have been accepted into an accredited college or trade school. 


We offer support services to ensure our students know we are there for them - we have their back!

John Iras presents one of the first Bravo Programs of America scholarships in 2014

Off and Running

In the fall of 2014, after months of organizing, planning, and community outreach, Ellen Lysik used $7,000 of her own money to award seven scholarships to foster youths from southeast Michigan.  We haven’t stopped since. 

View Full Timeline
Bravo Programs of America graduation statistics versus the national average

Our Results

We have a single ongoing focus - help foster youths graduate from college or trade schools.

Learn More

Our Aspirations

Scholarship awards have gone to students from 15 Michigan counties. We aim to touch all 83 Michigan counties and reach beyond Michigan borders.


We reached the $250k scholarship milestone in 2022 (ten years). We want to hit the $500k plateau in five years (2027).


To reach these goals, we need to grow our funds and our team.  Will you help us?

Get Involved

Our Team

Volunteers and Core Team

We are an all-volunteer organization

We have a core team of people who are passionate about our cause, dedicated volunteers who support our students and operations, and ad-hoc volunteers who jump in to support activities and events.


We have an extended team of social workers and counselors who collaborate with us to identify qualified students. Business partners support our students with complimentary or reduced-cost services.

More Details

John Iras Memorial Scholarship

Bravo Programs of America Co-Founder John Iras

a true friend of foster youths

John Iras, one of the co-founders of Bravo Programs of America, passed away in June 2020. He was a dear friend. His philanthropy with foster children has left a memorable mark on many. 


To honor John, we have established the John Iras Memorial Scholarship. This annual award will go to a foster student who personifies educational excellence.

John Iras Memorial scholarship recipients

2021 - Penny Richards

2022 - Brittney Barros

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Bravo Programs of America

34432 Jefferson Ave 4A

586-354-0041

A 501(c)(3) Public Charity - EIN# 46-2088518

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