MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential announced today that applications are now open for the Universal the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge, a $10 million grant opportunity to help local school districts and public school academies adopt FAFSA completion as a universal requirement for graduating seniors.

“MiLEAP is pleased to offer this opportunity for schools to ignite the potential of students all across Michigan,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The Universal FAFSA Challenge builds on the momentum we’ve created together. When every student completes the FAFSA, we open the door to college and career training options that change lives and strengthen communities.”

Supported through Michigan’s bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 budget, local school districts and public school academies have the opportunity to apply for a share of $10 million in available funding to integrate FAFSA completion into their high school graduation requirements, with a simple opt-out provision for qualifying students. Participating districts will use awarded funds to implement evidence-based FAFSA completion strategies and activities that provide students essential supports throughout the application process.

This investment builds on Michigan’s continued progress in helping students access postsecondary opportunities. A total of 67,365 students from Michigan’s Class of 2025 completed – representing 56.9% of graduates – completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA, a 6-point increase from the Class of 2024.