MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential has announced 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 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.

The three Upper Peninsula school districts that received awards are Bark River-Harris School District, $39,691.50; Iron Mountain Public Schools, $84,145.98; and Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County, $59,537.25.

“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 four-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 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 enrollment. Learn more about other states’ policies from the National College Attainment Network.