BARAGA – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced the recipients of $10 million in Universal FAFSA Challenge Awards, designed to support schools across the state in helping more students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and take the next step toward college or career training.

Two Upper Peninsula districts, Baraga and Gladstone, were among the schools statewide to receive funds. Baraga Area Schools received $14,852.87 while Gladstone Area Schools received $93,807.60 

“Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take to unlock postsecondary opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Through the Universal FAFSA Challenge, we are supporting schools as they build systems and supports that help students and families navigate the FAFSA process with confidence and access the financial resources available to them.” 

FAFSA completion is the gateway to critical state and federal scholarships and loans, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Community College Guarantee, which provides students up to $27,500 toward a four-year degree or a tuition-free pathway to an associate degree or skill certificate. 

Now in its second year, the Universal FAFSA Challenge awards funds to school districts and public school academies to adopt FAFSA completion as a graduation requirement – with a simple opt-out process for qualifying students – and implement evidence-based strategies to support students through the application process.  

Michigan joins a growing number of states that have adopted universal FAFSA completion policies, an approach early evidence shows can increase FAFSA completion, high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment. 

These awards come as FAFSA completion rates continue to rebound for Michigan high school seniors, with the Class of 2025 submitting more than 67,000 applications–the highest total since 2019. This milestone reflects strong statewide momentum, driven by the state’s continued investments in scholarships and financial aid programs alongside coordinated efforts from schools, counselors, families and community partners committed to supporting students’ futures. 

“We are seeing what happens when schools put intentional systems in place to support FAFSA completion,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director for MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education. “These awards help districts sustain that work–ensuring students have consistent guidance, clear information and structured support to take the next step after high school. FAFSA completion is not just a form; it is a bridge to opportunity.”