MILWAUKEE _ It’s time for high school seniors across the country to fill out a critical form that unlocks access to grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid that could help pay for a higher education degree.

Students can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2023-24 school year starting Oct. 1.

M³ (pronounced “M-Cubed”) — a partnership that brings together Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to transform the future of Milwaukee through education — will hold a news conference with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley to urge students and their families to fill out the FAFSA. Resources for those needing help to fill out the form will also be shared. 

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, 11-11:30 a.m.
WHERE: MPS Hamilton High School College and Career Center (CACC), 6215 W. Warnimont Ave.

MPS Superintendent Keith Posley is among those also scheduled to speak.

The number of MPS high school seniors who filed the FAFSA increased 8% in 2021-22 compared to the previous year, twice the national rate of 4%. M³ partners collaborate each year to encourage students to fill out the form.

Still, FAFSA completion rates are down compared to before COVID-19. Staff and leaders at all three M³ institutions know there is much more work to do to make sure completion rates return to pre-pandemic levels.

Also, UWM Chancellor Mark Mone and MATC President Vicki Martin have offered strong support for the new MPS guideline that went into effect this school year requiring high school students to fill out the FAFSA in order to graduate.