Iron Mountain Public Schools is among 75 school districts in Michigan that will receive funding through the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential announced.

A total of $10 million was awarded statewide, with $84,146 going to IMPS. 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.

“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.

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 partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to support districts in their efforts. The Iron Mountain school board last month approved a change its graduation policy to accommodate the FAFSA initiative.

Other recipients in the Upper Peninsula include Bark River-Harris School District, $39,692; Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County, $59,537; Pickford Public Schools, $30,959; and Rudyard Area Schools, $31,753.

For more information about the Universal FAFSA Challenge and other resources, go to https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/higher-education/universal-fafsa-challenge.

Students and families can complete the FAFSA online by going to FAFSA.gov.