GLADSTONE — Gladstone Area Schools has been awarded funding from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) to boost Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion and better prepare students for life after graduation.

The award is part of MiLEAP’s statewide Universal FAFSA Challenge, which distributed $10 million in grants to 67 recipients in February. In total, Gladstone Area Schools was awarded $93,807.60.

“The grant funds will be used to enhance college and career readiness for all graduating seniors by removing barriers, increasing FAFSA completion and expanding access to postsecondary planning opportunities,” said Andrew Jacques, principal of Gladstone Area High School.

A portion of the funding will support the creation of a part-time college and career coach position for the school. The role will help ensure every senior completes a job shadow experience and receives individualized support with college and trade school planning, as well as financial aid guidance.

The district also plans to use funds to reduce transportation barriers for college visits. This includes providing gas gift cards to students and families, with an emphasis on supporting those from low-income households.

Additionally, Jacques said the district may also purchase a van to transport students to college and career site visits, further expanding equitable access to post secondary exploration opportunities.

Funding will further support professional development and conference opportunities for Gladstone Area School staff, as well as create stipends for employees taking on extra responsibilities, such as coordinating job shadows, FAFSA completion events and college visits.

To encourage FAFSA completion, the award will fund student incentives, including celebrations such as pizza parties, donuts and an end-of-year event.

High school students who complete FAFSA face opportunities for state and federal scholarships and loans, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Community College Guarantee, which provides students up to $27,500 toward a four-year degree or a tuition-free pathway to an associate degree or skill certificate.

“Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take to unlock postsecondary opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, 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 FAFSA process with confidence and access the financial resources available to them.”

Now in its second year, the Universal FAFSA Challenge awards funds to school districts and public school academies to adopt FAFSA completion as a graduation requirement, with an opt-out option for eligible students, while implementing evidence-based strategies to support families through the process.

Michigan is among a growing number of states adopting universal FAFSA completion policies. According to MiLEAP, Michigan students who graduated in 2025 submitted more than 67,000 FAFSA applications — the highest total since 2019.

The rising completion rates reflect strong statewide efforts to invest in scholarships and financial aid programs alongside coordinated efforts from schools, counselors, families and community partners.

“We are seeing what happens when schools put intentional systems in place to support FAFSA completion,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education. “These awards help districts sustain that work–ensuring students have consistent guidance, clear information and structured support to take the next step after high school. FAFSA completion is not just a form; it is a bridge to opportunity.”

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.