Completing the FAFSA is first step to additional
financial aid opportunities such as the Michigan Achievement
Scholarship, which offers up to $27,500 over five years for college education
LANSING,
Mich., April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II joined
the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and
Potential (MiLEAP) today to kick off "Reach for the Pie," a
statewide initiative and contest, in partnership with Hungry
Howie's and Michigan Credit Union League, encouraging students and
parents to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) to lower the cost of college and unlock valuable financial
aid opportunities such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
The goal of the initiative is to encourage Michigan students to complete the FAFSA to
increase access to student aid. By completing the FAFSA, class of
2024 students will be eligible to enter the contest for a chance to
win free Hungry Howie's pizza for a year. The prize will be awarded
to 100 randomly selected students. The deadline to enter the
contest is June 30, 2024. MiLEAP's MI
Student Aid will post the list of winners
on www.reachforthepie.org on or after Aug. 1, 2024.
"Reach for the Pie" comes as the White House and the U.S.
Department of Education recently declared April 15-19 the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) Week of Action, advocating a concerted effort
from all stakeholders at all levels to assist students and families
with completing the 2024 FAFSA.
"With FAFSA, students can 'Reach for the Pie,' and unlock doors
to opportunity," said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. "They can access
critical financial aid like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship,
which offers up to $27,500 for
college. The Achievement Scholarship is a cornerstone of our vision
to remove financial barriers and ensure that by 2030, 60% of
Michiganders will hold a postsecondary credential. We will keep
working hard to pave the way for future leaders."
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship, established to lower the
cost of college and support the state's educational goals, offers
significant financial assistance to eligible high school graduates.
This scholarship, along with other state-funded programs such as
Michigan Reconnect, Tuition Incentive Program and MI Future
Educator programs, aim to increase access to higher education and
workforce development.
"There has never been a better time for students to explore
financial aid. The new streamlined FAFSA process can open
scholarship and grant opportunities like the Michigan Achievement
Scholarship, providing all Michiganders an affordable path to
college.," said Michelle
Richard, acting director of MiLEAP. "Our goal with
'Reach for the Pie' is to not only make students aware of these
opportunities but also to incentivize them to take action and
complete the FAFSA now so they can enroll in college this
fall."
"Filling out the FAFSA is the gateway to unlocking scholarship
opportunities, including the new Michigan Achievement Scholarship,
which provides up to $8,250 over
three years at a community or tribal college, up to $27,500 over five years at a four-year public
college or university or up to $20,000 over five years at a private college or
university," said Diann
Cosme, director of MiLEAP's MI Student Aid. "By
participating in this statewide FAFSA initiative, students not only
have the chance to win free pizza for a year but also take a
significant step toward securing their financial future."
"Encouraging students and families to complete the FAFSA is not
just about accessing federal student aid or grants; it's about
making a smart financial decision," said Kieran Marion, executive vice president of
advocacy for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) and the
Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF). "This event
exemplifies MCUL's priorities to provide Michiganders with access
to pathways for financial growth and stability, and by supporting
this FAFSA initiative, MCUL and MCUF are demonstrating their
commitment to financial literacy, empowering individuals to make
smart financial decisions and advancing the broader goal of
promoting financial health and security for all."
The pizza is provided through a partnership with Hungry
Howie's.
"Our independently owned and operated franchises are deeply
rooted in their communities," said Kevin Dittrich, franchisee owner of Hungry
Howie's in the Lansing
area. "We are excited to partner with MiLEAP and MI
Student Aid to provide incentive for students to complete their
FAFSA and have more opportunities for financial aid."
About MI Student Aid:
MI Student Aid encourages
students to pursue postsecondary education by providing equality of
access to student financial resources and information. Through the
administration of various student financial assistance programs,
students receive the guidance and funding necessary to pursue their
educational goals. MI Student Aid strives to help students from
birth to beyond college graduation. MI Student Aid is within the
Office of Higher Education at MiLEAP.
About "Reach for the Pie":
"Reach for the Pie" offers
all graduating seniors the opportunity to enter to be one of 100
randomly selected winners of free pizza for a year (one free pizza
a week for 52 weeks). To enter, simply text FAFSA to 844-34-PIZZA.
Participants will receive the response "To complete your entry,
enter your first and last name, email address and mailing address."
Once that information is completed, participants will receive a
thanks-for-entering message and a link to the complete rules. The
deadline to enter the contest is June
30, the official last day to submit a FAFSA. Winners of the
contest will be announced on or after Aug.
1.
MEDIA CONTACT: press@michigan.gov
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SOURCE Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement,
and Potential (MiLEAP)