The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) announced today that $10 million has been awarded to 75 school districts and public school academies statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Challenge. This initiative is designed to increase FAFSA completion rates among Michigan high school seniors, connect students with more financial aid, and increase the number of students enrolling in college and career training after high school.

Two local school districts were awarded funds, including Evart Public Schools and Mason County Eastern Schools. 

“We commend the 75 districts that have embraced this initiative to help more students complete their FAFSA,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This funding reinforces MiLEAP’s commitment to ensuring that every learner has the tools and resources they need to succeed. By increasing FAFSA completion rates, we are creating more affordable pathways to higher education opportunities so more Michiganders can earn a college degree or skill certificate and go on to thrive right here in Michigan.” 

Completing the FAFSA is the first step for students to access state and federal scholarships and loans, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, which offers students up to $27,500 toward a 4-year degree or a tuition-free pathway toward earning a skill certificate or associate degree. 

“Every student should have the opportunity to pursue their educational and career dreams regardless of how much money is in their pocket,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “By participating in the Universal FAFSA Challenge, these districts are ensuring every one of their graduates has the information they need to make informed decisions about their futures. Completing the FAFSA is the key to unlocking essential funding opportunities, and we are proud to support these districts in their efforts.” 

Participating districts will use the awarded funds to integrate FAFSA completion into their high school graduation requirements, with a straightforward opt-out provision for qualifying students. Districts are committed to implementing evidence-based FAFSA completion strategies and activities that provide essential supports to students throughout the application process. MiLEAP is proud to partner with the Michigan College Access Network to support districts in their efforts. 

“When schools champion FAFSA completion, they send a clear message: Your future isn’t optional, it’s our shared priority,” said Dr. Alena E. Zachery-Ross, superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools. “Ypsilanti Community Schools understand that a diploma without postsecondary planning is like a map without a destination – direction matters as much as the journey." 

A dozen states across the country have adopted universal FAFSA completion policies with supports for students, families, and high schools. These policies require students to complete the FAFSA before high school graduation (while allowing for student exemptions in some circumstances). There is early evidence that this strategy is working. Early adopters have seen increases in FAFSA completion, high school graduation, and college going. Learn more about other states’ policies from the National College Attainment Network. 

Awarded districts include: 

•    Ann Arbor Public Schools - $1,126,444.77 
•    Atherton Community Schools - $47,629.80 
•    Au Gres-Sims School District - $29,371.71 
•    Bad Axe Public Schools -$55,568.10 
•    Bark River-Harris School District - $39,691.50 
•    Bay City Academy -$31,753.20 
•    Bear Lake Schools - $12,701.28 
•    Belding Area School District - $112,723.86 
•    Bentley Community School District - $51,598.95 
•    Birch Run Area Schools - $134,157.27 
•    Buckley Community Schools - $25,402.56 
•    Byron Center Public Schools - $282,603.48 
•    Camden-Frontier School - $26,990.22 
•    Carson City-Crystal Area Schools - $58,743.42 
•    Carsonville-Port Sanilac School District - $22,227.24 
•    Casman Alternative Academy - $7,938.30 
•    Charlton Heston Academy -$50,805.12 
•    Chesaning Union Schools -$78,589.17 
•    Clio Area School District - $175,436.43 
•    Coleman Community Schools - $31,753.20 
•    Croswell-Lexington Community Schools - $110,342.37 
•    Da Vinci Schools - $62,712.57 
•    Dearborn City School District - $1,293,149.07 
•    East Jackson Community Schools - $71,444.70 
•    Evart Public Schools -$61,124.91 
•    Frankenmuth School District - $94,465.77 
•    Grand Traverse Academy - $33,340.86 
•    Grass Lake Community Schools - $74,620.02 
•    Hamtramck, School District of the City of - $208,777.29 
•    Hanover-Horton School District -$60,331.08 
•    Harbor Beach Community Schools - $40,485.33 
•    Hartland Consolidated Schools - $357,223.50 
•    Hudsonville Public School District - $435,018.84 
•    Inland Lakes Schools -$40,485.33 
•    International Academy of Flint -$45,248.31 
•    Iron Mountain Public Schools -$84,145.98 
•    Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County - $59,537.25 
•    Jackson Preparatory & Early College - $50,805.12 
•    Kensington Woods Schools -$15,082.77 
•    Kentwood Public Schools - $562,031.64 
•    Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb) - $282,603.48 
•    Lenawee ISD -$4,762.98 
•    Lincoln Consolidated School District - $276,252.84 
•    Madison Academy -$43,660.65 
•    Marlette Community Schools - $31,753.20 
•    Mason County Eastern Schools - $27,784.05 
•    Merrill Community Schools - $41,279.16 
•    Michigan Center School District -$103,197.90 
•    Michigan Mathematics and Science Academy - $27,784.05 
•    Midland Public Schools -$474,710.34 
•    Napoleon Community Schools -$96,847.26 
•    New Lothrop Area Public Schools - $71,444.70 
•    Northwest Community Schools - $217,509.42 
•    Oakridge Public Schools - $90,496.62 
•    Orchard View Schools - $126,218.97 
•    Pickford Public Schools - $30,959.37 
•    Reading Community Schools - $37,310.01 
•    Rudyard Area Schools - $31,753.20 
•    Saginaw Township Community Schools -$287,366.46 
•    Springport Public Schools -$48,423.63 
•    St. Charles Community Schools - $61,918.74 
•    Summerfield Schools - $30,165.54 
•    Tekonsha Community Schools - $19,845.75 
•    The New Standard Academy - $19,845.75 
•    Trillium Academy -$30,165.54 
•    Ubly Community Schools -$34,134.69 
•    Unionville-Sebewaing Area S.D. - $38,103.84 
•    University Preparatory Academy (PSAD) -$109,548.54 
•    University Preparatory Art & Design - $96,053.43 
•    University Preparatory Science and Math (PSAD) - $80,970.66 
•    Vandercook Lake Public Schools -$35,722.35 
•    Voyageur Academy - $97,641.09 
•    West Bloomfield School District - $415,966.92 
•    Western School District - $168,291.96 
•    Ypsilanti Community Schools - $246,881.13 

Students and families can complete the FAFSA online by visiting FAFSA.gov. Recent updates to the application include reducing the number of questions to 36 from the previous 108, allowing for a more streamlined process. Most students and families can complete the application in less than 30 minutes. 

For more information about the Universal FAFSA Challenge and other resources, visit the MiLEAP Office of Higher Education webpage.