Latest news with #UniversalFAFSAChallenge
CBS News
11-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
FAFSA participation among high school seniors gets boost with state of Michigan grants
(CBS DETROIT) - Several southeast Michigan school districts and academies have won state funds toward getting more high school seniors to fill out college financial aid applications. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, is the required document for a long list of college financial assistance programs such as work-study, state grants, federal student loans and some scholarships. To stay ahead of award deadlines, students and their parents need to fill out the FAFSA several months before each academic year begins in the fall. About half of high school seniors across the country typically fill out that paperwork; a new version of the process launched ahead of the current academic year. Michigan does not have a statewide requirement that high school seniors submit this application, but about a dozen other states do. Instead, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential announced Challenge Award funds to districts that take specific steps to get more students through the process. The money is based on number of high school seniors at the participating schools. The money is to be used on speakers, checklists, events and related activities meant to encourage students to complete the application and consider their next education steps. The rules do allow students to exempt from completing FAFSA under specific circumstances. "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." Of the 75 districts and academies on this year's award list, several are from southeast Michigan. Those schools, and the state funds awarded from this program, are as follows: Ann Arbor Public Schools, $1,126,444.77. Dearborn City School District, $1,293,149.07. Hamtramck, School District of the City of, $208,777.29. Hartland Consolidated Schools, $357,223.50. Kensington Woods Schools, $15,082.77. Lakeview Public Schools (Macomb), $282,603.48. Lenawee ISD, $4,762.98. Summerfield Schools, $30,165.54. University Preparatory Academy (PSAD), $109,548.54. University Preparatory Art & Design, $96,053.43. University Preparatory Science and Math (PSAD), $80,970.66. West Bloomfield School District, $415,966.92.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
7 West Michigan school districts get funding for FAFSA awareness
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential has announced to help students across the state complete the process and receive financial aid for college and occupational training courses. The money will be split among 75 school districts, including seven in West Michigan. The program is called the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge. Grandville students compete, raise funds in 'Senior Survivor' challenge MiLEAP says the program will make students and families more aware of the help that is available and encourage more students to continue their education beyond high school. 'This funding reinforces MiLEAP's commitment to ensuring that every learner has the tools and resources they need to succeed,' MiLEAP Director Beverly Walker-Griffea said in a statement. 'By insuring 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.' The FAFSA process is also necessary for students to access state scholarships, including the and the state's , which offers up to $27,500 toward a degree or skill certificate. 'Every student should have the opportunity to pursue their educational and career dreams regardless of how much money is in their pocket,' Michelle Richard, the MiLEAP deputy director of higher education, stated. '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.' GRPS 'encouraged' by education dollars in Whitmer's budget proposal Seven districts from West Michigan will take part in the program: Belding Area School District: $112,723 Byron Center Public Schools: $282,603 Carson City-Crystal Area Schools: $58,743 Hudsonville Public School District: $435,018 Kentwood Public Schools: $562,031 Oakridge Public Schools: $90,496 Orchard View Schools: $126,218 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
