West Michigan districts awarded funds to support education, training post-high school

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Multiple West Michigan districts have been awarded thousands in funding to boost students’ “college going” and other plans for education or training after high school.

Monday, the Universal FAFSA Challenge awarded funds to a total 75 districts to update graduation requirements to include FAFSA completion, empowering students to “unlock financial aid opportunities and make plans for college and career,” according to the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP).

In all, funding aims to increase FAFSA completion rates among Michigan high schoolers, connect students with more financial aid and increase the number of scholars enrolling in college and career training.

“We commend the districts that have embraced this initiative to help more students complete their FAFSA,” Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, said. “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.”

For West Michigan, the following districts were awarded funds:

• Belding Area School District – $112,723.86
• Byron Center Public Schools – $282,603.48
• Camden-Frontier School – $26,990.22
• Hudsonville Public School District – $435,018.84
• Kentwood Public Schools – $562,031.64
• Oakridge Public Schools – $90,496.62
• Orchard View Schools – $126,218.97
• Tekonsha Community Schools – $19,845.75

Completing the FAFSA, according to MiLEAP, is the first step for students to access state and federal scholarships and loans to continue their education.

Some of these scholarships include the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, which offer students up to $27,500 toward a four-year degree or a tuition-free path toward earning a skill certificate or associate’s degree, officials said.

“Every student should have the opportunity to pursue their educational and career dreams regardless of how much money is in their pocket,” Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP, said. “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.”

More information about the Universal FAFSA Challenge can be found online.

In addition, further information about the FAFSA can also be found online.