With a bold stride toward educational progress, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential announced a striking $10 million allocation set to benefit 75 school districts statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge initiative.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential has announced that $10 million has been awarded to 75 school districts and public school academies statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge. The three Upper Peninsula school districts that received awards are Bark River-Harris School District, $39,691.50; Iron Mountain Public Schools, $84,145.98; and Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County, $59,537.25.

“To compete in the global economy, Michigan needs to build a flexible, well-educated workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This budget demonstrates the governor’s commitment to our future by supporting increased college readiness, participation and completion," MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss said in a statement.

MiLEAP is partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to support districts in their efforts. The Iron Mountain school board last month approved a change its graduation policy to accommodate the FAFSA initiative.

Hartland Consolidated Schools, Kensington Woods and Ann Arbor are among 75 Michigan districts splitting $10 million from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential, or MiLEAP.

"Even though we have a small uptick, that's a win, and we want to celebrate that," Fewins-Bliss said. "But we are still leaps and bounds away from where we were at the peak time of enrollment and FAFSA completion."

Reaction to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed budget for 2026 is coming in. Below are a few of the statements 6 News has received.

Henry Ford II High School Associate Principal Anthony Tocco was recently named in a group of 12 school leaders statewide who will take part in an 18-month program for the next generation of administrators at the secondary level.

Henry Ford II High School Associate Principal Anthony Tocco is among 12 school leaders including Ferndale High School Principal Fellicia Searles-Powell selected for a leadership program aimed at growing the next generation of secondary administrators.

The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and the Michigan College Access Network have announced the second cohort of Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellows which includes a Manistee educator.