The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently announced a $10 million grant program that “aims to increase Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion among Michigan high school seniors by expanding access to comprehensive supports in local schools and communities.”
The Universal FAFSA Challenge Grant will be available to Michigan school districts and public school academies who agree to adopting a universal FAFSA policy, which makes FAFSA completion a requirement for high school graduation. 10 states have implemented isuch a policy, and Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Oklahoma are doing so for the first time this year.
Grant funds will allow districts to “implement activities that are proven to increase FAFSA completion, ensuring students receive the supports they need through the application process,” according to a press release.
"The Universal FAFSA Challenge Grant is an innovative financial incentive for Michigan high schools to implement activities that are proven to increase FAFSA completion rates," said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Executive Director of Michigan College Access Network. "With the investments in state financial aid through Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, we encourage all Michigan high schools and public school academies to apply for this grant and commit to incorporating FAFSA completion into their high school graduation requirements."
Colorado previously attempted the approach of having school districts adopt universal FAFSA rather than roll out the policy statewide. The state offered grants to school districts during the 2022-23 academic year, but unfortunately only a handful of districts applied.
Michigan’s investment is much larger than Colorado’s was, which may attract more attention from school districts, especially in an environment with so much attention on FAFSA completion. Michigan currently ranks 24th nationally with a 51.1% FAFSA completion rate for high school seniors.
“Completing the FAFSA is a critical step for students seeking financial aid for college,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director of MiLEAP, in a press release. “Our department is committed to fostering partnerships that enable Michigan students to unlock these essential dollars, ensuring they have access to the financial resources needed to further their education and pave their path to prosperity.”
Michigan districts and public school academies can visit the MiLEAP Office of Higher Education web page for more information on how to apply.