Several Southwest Michigan school districts will receive state funding aimed at helping more high school seniors complete the paperwork needed to qualify for college financial aid.
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has announced $10 million in “Universal FAFSA Challenge” grants to school districts across the state. The funding is designed to help schools increase completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA.
Locally, the following districts are among those receiving awards:
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Watervliet Public Schools — $97,000
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Hartford Public Schools — $82,900
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Bangor Public Schools — $50,800
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Decatur Public Schools — $38,300
The program provides funding to districts that commit to making FAFSA completion a graduation requirement for high school seniors, while still allowing students to opt out under certain circumstances.
State officials say the goal is to ensure more students access available financial aid and scholarships for college, community college, or career training programs.
“Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take to unlock postsecondary opportunity,” said MiLEAP Director Beverly Walker-Griffea.
Students who complete the FAFSA become eligible for a variety of federal and state aid programs, including Michigan’s Achievement Scholarship and the Community College Guarantee, which can provide up to $27,500 toward a four-year degree or cover tuition for an associate degree or skills certificate.
The Universal FAFSA Challenge is now in its second year. Funding amounts are based on the number of 12th-grade students in each district, and schools must use the money for activities proven to increase FAFSA completion rates — such as counseling support, college information events, and assistance for families navigating the financial aid process.
State officials say FAFSA completion rates in Michigan have been improving. More than 67,000 students in the Class of 2025 submitted applications, the highest total since 2019.
The state says expanding FAFSA participation can help more students pursue education or training after high school and connect them with financial resources that might otherwise go unused.
