Events Aim to Boost FAFSA Completion and Support Students with Applying for Tuition-Free Community College Through Michigan Reconnect

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) is partnering with the Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Promise and Detroit Reconnect to hold a series of FAFSA Frenzy fairs throughout Metro Detroit. These events aim to assist both future and current college students in completing their FAFSA and applying for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, which allows students to earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college.

"We are committed to supporting Michiganders on their path to prosperity by making higher education accessible to everyone. The FAFSA Frenzy and Michigan Reconnect events are critical opportunities for students to get the support they need to pursue their educational and career aspirations,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of these resources and secure their future."

Despite its importance, the FAFSA completion rate has been slumping nationwide, resulting in missed opportunities for students to secure necessary dollars for their postsecondary education.

The student-centric fairs, hosted by the Detroit Pistons and Emagine Entertainment, offer attendees on-site access to FAFSA specialists and Reconnect Navigators who will provide one-on-one assistance. Local colleges will also be present to help guide students through the process of securing financial aid and applying for scholarships, including Michigan Reconnect. The scholarship is currently available for adults ages 21-24, temporarily lowered from the traditional minimum age requirement of 25. 

“The FAFSA serves as a critical tool to make postsecondary education more accessible for students and their families,” said Greg Handel, vice president of education and talent at the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Through our collaboration with MiLEAP, the Detroit Promise and Detroit Reconnect, we have the chance to offer vital resources to more students across the Detroit region, empowering them to take control of their educational journeys and achieve their dreams."

The first event in the series took place on Monday at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center in Detroit.

Upcoming events will be held at the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 5-8 p.m. Emagine Macomb 15251 23 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI 48042
• Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 5-8 p.m. Emagine Royal Oak 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067
• Thursday, August 22, 2024, 5-8 p.m. Emagine Canton 39535 Ford Rd., Canton, MI 48187

What to Bring: To ensure a smooth process, attendees should bring the following items:

• Social Security Number
• Federal Student Aid ID for the student (and parent, if applicable)
• 2022 Tax Information
• Information on child support payments
• Current bank account statements
• Investment accounts (if applicable)
• Attendees must also know their password for their Federal Student Aid account at studentaid.gov.

Students who do not a Federal Student Aid account should create one in advance. Every student, along with their parent, if applicable, must have a Federal Student Aid account linked to a unique email address.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Reconnect.

About MiLEAP
Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from preschool to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. Michigan Reconnect, one of MiLEAP’s signature programs, is helping move the state toward achieving its’ Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030. Learn more at michigan.gov/MiLEAP.

About the Detroit Regional Chamber
Serving the business community for more than 100 years, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected chambers of commerce in the country. As the voice for business in the 11-county Southeast Michigan region, the Chamber’s mission is carried out by creating a business-friendly climate and providing value for members. The Chamber also executes the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MichAuto, and hosts the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference. Additionally, the Chamber leads the most comprehensive education and talent strategy in the state. Learn more at detroitchamber.com. 

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