Michigan Awards Nearly $1M to Students Through FAFSA Completion Initiative

Michigan officials celebrated a milestone in college access this week as 50 students received nearly $1 million in awards through the state's innovative "Ticket to Tuition" giveaway, a program designed to incentivize FAFSA completion among first-time filers.

From left: Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Michigan College Access Network;Dr. Laurie Claybo, Wayne State University;Lukas Gojcaj, student winner;Lamya Robinson, student winner, Cadie Benedict, student winner, Graceful Tompkins, student winner;Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II;Ah'ja McCoy, student winner;Nathan Herbert, student winner and Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II joined state education leaders at Wayne State University to announce the winners, who received either $10,000 or $50,000 awards deposited into Michigan Education Savings Program accounts. The initiative, launched by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration in partnership with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), drew more than 21,000 entries from students who completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the first time.

"Every student in Michigan deserves a fair shot at success, no matter their background, zip code or income," Gilchrist said during the announcement. The program represents a creative solution to a persistent challenge in higher education: encouraging students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to navigate the often-complex financial aid process.

The timing of the initiative proves particularly significant given ongoing concerns about declining FAFSA completion rates nationally. By gamifying the financial aid application process, Michigan officials sought to address what Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), described as a critical barrier to college enrollment.

"The 50 winners we announced today, and the thousands of other FAFSA filers, now have a head start on their future," Walker-Griffea said. "College, skilled trades and career training aren't just for some, they're for everyone."

The program's impact extends beyond the immediate winners. By May's end, approximately 50,000 students had completed the FAFSA, with 21,112 entering the giveaway. This surge in applications opens doors to various federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and the Community College Guarantee.

For many recipients, the awards represent transformative opportunities.