HARRIS — Bark River-Harris School District is proud to announce that it has been awarded $39,000 as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Challenge. The initiative aims to increase FAFSA completion rates among Michigan high school seniors, providing them with access to valuable financial aid opportunities.

7-12 Principal Caleb Adams shared he is excited about the opportunity this presents to our students over the next several years.

The awarded funds will allow Bark River-Harris School District to integrate FAFSA completion into its high school graduation requirements, with a simple opt-out provision, to ensure students receive the essential support they need throughout the application process.

“By stepping up to the Universal FAFSA Challenge, Bark River-Harris School District is taking a significant step toward ensuring that every student has the tools and resources needed to succeed on their educational journeys,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). “Increasing FAFSA completion rates is crucial to creating more pathways for students to earn a skill certificate or degree and achieve their dreams without the burden of college debt.”

The district will use funding to implement evidence-based strategies and activities to encourage more students to complete the FAFSA, including student awareness events, college tours, parent support nights, individual help with completing the FAFSA and incentives to ensure completion. This investment aligns with existing district efforts to promote educational equity and access for all learners.

Students and families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Recent updates to the application include reducing the number of questions to 36 from the previous 108, allowing for a more streamlined process. Most students and families can complete the application in less than 15 minutes.

Completing the FAFSA is the first step to accessing federal and state financial aid including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Community College Guarantee, which offers students up to $27,500 toward a 4-year degree or a tuition-free pathway toward earning a skill certificate or associate degree.

For more information about the Universal FAFSA Challenge and how it impacts students, please visit https://www.brhschools.org/ or contact Counselor, Teresa Wright at 906-466-9981 ext. 2181 or twright@brhschools.org