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By Paula Wethington
/ CBS Detroit
(CBS DETROIT) – Several southeast Michigan school districts and academies have won state funds toward getting more high school seniors to fill out college financial aid applications.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, is the required document for a long list of college financial assistance programs such as work-study, state grants, federal student loans and some scholarships. To stay ahead of award deadlines, students and their parents need to fill out the FAFSA several months before each academic year begins in the fall.
About half of high school seniors across the country typically fill out that paperwork; a new version of the process launched ahead of the current academic year.
Michigan does not have a statewide requirement that high school seniors submit this application, but about a dozen other states do.
Instead, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential announced Challenge Award funds to districts that take specific steps to get more students through the process. The money is based on number of high school seniors at the participating schools. The money is to be used on speakers, checklists, events and related activities meant to encourage students to complete the application and consider their next education steps.
The rules do allow students to exempt from completing FAFSA under specific circumstances.
“Every student should have the opportunity to pursue their educational and career dreams regardless of how much money is in their pocket,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP.
“By participating in the Universal FAFSA Challenge, these districts are ensuring every one of their graduates has the information they need to make informed decisions about their futures. Completing the FAFSA is the key to unlocking essential funding opportunities, and we are proud to support these districts in their efforts.”
Of the 75 districts and academies on this year’s award list, several are from southeast Michigan. Those schools, and the state funds awarded from this program, are as follows:
Paula Wethington is a digital producer at CBS Detroit. She previously held digital content roles at NEWSnet, Gannett/USA Today network and The Monroe News in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.
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©2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
