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Lt. Governor Gilchrist and MiLEAP Launch “Reach for the Pie” Initiative to Promote Financial Aid Opportunities for Michigan Students
Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward additional financial aid opportunities, such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which offers up to $27,500 over five years toward college education
Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II today joined the Michigan Department of Education, Advancement and Lifelong Potential (MiLEAP) to launch “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 fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to reduce the cost of college and unlock valuable financial aid opportunities like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
The goal of the initiative is to encourage Michigan students to complete the FAFSA to increase access to student aid. Upon completing the FAFSA, the class of 2,024 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 competition is June 30, 2024. MiLEAP’s MI Student Aid will publish the list of winners on reachforthepie.org on or after August 1, 2024.
“Reach for the Pie” comes as the White House and the U.S. Department of Education recently declared April 15-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Action Week, championing an effort gathering of all stakeholders at all levels to assist students and families with completing the 2024 FAFSA.
“With the FAFSA, students can ‘reach the pie’ and open doors to opportunities,” he said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “They can access critical financial aid, like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides up to $27,500 toward college. The Achievement Scholarship is the foundation of our vision to remove financial barriers and ensure that by 2030, 60% of Michiganders hold a postsecondary credential. We will continue to work hard to pave the way for future leaders.”
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship, created to reduce the cost of college and support the state’s educational goals, provides significant financial assistance to qualified high school graduates. This grant, along with other state-funded programs such as Michigan Reconnect, Tuition Incentive Program, and MI Future Educator, 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 scholarships and grant opportunities like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, providing all Michiganders an affordable path to college.” said Michelle Richard, interim director of MiLEAP. “Our goal with ‘Reach for the Pie’ is to not only make students aware of these opportunities, but also encourage 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 offers up to $8,250 over three years at a community or tribal college, up to $27,500 over five years at a or public four-year university or up to $20,000 over five years at a private college or university,” he said. Diann Cosme, director of MI Student Aid at MiLEAP. “By participating in this state FAFSA initiative, students not only have the chance to win free pizza for a year, but they 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,” he said Kieran Marion, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) and Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF). “This event exemplifies MCUL’s priorities to provide Michiganders with access to pathways to financial growth and stability, and by supporting this FAFSA initiative, MCUL and MCUF are demonstrating their commitment to financial literacy by empowering individuals to making smart financial decisions and advancing the broader goal of promoting health and financial security for all.”
The pizza is provided in 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 incentives for students to complete their FAFSA and have more financial aid opportunities.”
About MI Student Aid:
MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue higher education by providing equal access to financial resources and student 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 college graduation. MI Student Aid is within the MiLEAP Higher Education Office.
About “Reach for the Pie”:
“Reach for the Pie” offers all graduates the opportunity to sign up to be one of 100 randomly selected winners of free pizza for a year (one free pizza per week for 52 weeks). To enter, simply text FAFSA to 844-34-PIZZA. Participants will receive the response “To complete your registration, please enter your first and last name, email address, and mailing address.” Once this information is completed, participants will receive a message thanking them for participating and a link to the full rules. The deadline to register for the contest is June 30, the official last day to submit a FAFSA. Contest winners will be announced on or after August 1st.