Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joined M3 partners recently to stress the importance of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA.
M3 connects Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to transform the community through education. Completing the FAFSA unlocks access to federal financial aid, state aid, scholarships and more, the partners shared with students at an event at MPS’ James Madison Academic Campus.
And MPS graduates have a successful track record to build on: More than 61% of last year’s graduates completed the FAFSA, Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan noted, a rate about 10 points higher than the Wisconsin and national averages.
This year’s MPS seniors can work with their school counselors or the College and Career Center (CACC) at their high school. CACCs will host FAFSA events and provide one-on-one assistance.
MATC also supports the work in part through sending staff to high school financial aid events, President Anthony Cruz said. The college’s free-tuition MATC Promise for New High School Graduates requires students to complete the FAFSA. MATC also works with its current students to fill out the FAFSA, which must be completed each year to access financial aid and scholarship funds.
Most students at UWM – 89% – receive financial aid, Chancellor Mark Mone said. He noted that Federal Pell Grants are a form of aid that does not need to be repaid, but students must complete the FAFSA to access them. Wisconsin students left more than $57 million in Pell funds on the table by not completing the FAFSA.
Johnson and Crowley stressed the importance of FAFSA completion for the benefit of the entire community.
