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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 |
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Michigan Opens Applications for Third Round of Universal FAFSA Challenge
School districts and public school academies can apply starting Oct. 27 for funding to help more graduating seniors access financial aid
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan school districts and public school academies can apply beginning Oct. 27 for the third round of the Universal FAFSA Challenge, which provides funding to help schools make completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) an intentional part of preparing students for life after high school.
“Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take to unlock postsecondary opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive 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 process and access the financial resources available to them.”
The $10 million Universal FAFSA Challenge provides funding to local school districts and public school academies to adopt FAFSA completion as a high school graduation requirement, with a simple opt-out provision for qualifying students. Participating schools can use the funding to implement evidence-based strategies that help students complete the FAFSA. In the previous round, participating districts received an average of $781.73 per 12th-grade student.
Participating districts must adopt their FAFSA completion policy by June 30, 2027. Districts and academies that received funding in the previous round are not eligible to apply again.
Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships and work-study opportunities. In Michigan, students may qualify for programs such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, which help reduce the cost of college and career training.
MiLEAP will host informational webinars for schools interested in applying:
Applications open Oct. 27 and are due Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026. Eligible school districts and public school academies are encouraged to apply. For eligibility requirements, application details and more information about the Universal FAFSA Challenge, visit Universal FAFSA Challenge webpage.
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Established by Gov. Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP ensures every Michigander has a path to prosperity from birth to earning a postsecondary credential that leads to high-wage careers. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
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