Free FAFSA event this Thursday to help college-bound Flint residents access scholarships and financial aid

Flint students who will attend college in the fall can get free assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on Thursday, June 13, 3-6 p.m. at the City of Flint Service Center. Students will be able to get their questions answered and complete their FAFSA applications on the spot with one-on-one help from FAFSA experts.

The City of Flint and Mayor Sheldon Neeley are partnering with the State of Michigan, Güd Marketing, Michigan Credit Union Foundation, Michigan Credit Union League, and DAW consulting firm to host this event—one of many statewide—with the goal of increasing FAFSA completion to ensure that Flint students have access to financial aid and can reach their educational goals.

June 30 is the deadline to complete the FAFSA application.

Flint Promise
Flint Promise is a scholarship program for graduates of high schools located in the city of Flint. By covering the cost of tuition after federal grants and other scholarships have been applied, Flint Promise allows eligible students to attend participating colleges for little to no cost. In doing so, the scholarship program provides increased access to higher education for Flint’s young people and represents a continuous investment in the city’s future.

“Graduates of every high school located in the City of Flint are eligible for the Flint Promise Scholarship, but they must complete the FAFSA application to access this critical program,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “Flint Promise covers the cost of tuition after federal grants and other scholarships have been applied, so filling out the FAFSA is the first step in ensuring that all Flint graduates can access a college education at little to no cost.”

Learn more about the Flint Promise

Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Completing the FAFSA also opens the doors to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which offers up to $27,500 of free money for college to students who graduated high school in 2023 or later.

Learn more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Michigan Reconnect
Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program for Michiganders 21 or older, who don’t have a college degree, to pursue an associate degree or skill certificate. Reconnect covers up to the ‘in-district’ tuition, mandatory fees, and contact hours at any of Michigan’s public community colleges. Mott Community College in Flint is one of the participating colleges. The Michigan Reconnect program established by Governor Whitmer in February 2021 is the largest such program in state history.

Learn more about Michigan Reconnect

The FAFSA completion rate has dropped in recent years, particularly among the state’s historically underserved communities. This decline means that Michigan students are missing out on federal and state scholarships, grants, work-study funds and loans that can help make postsecondary education possible.

As an added incentive for students to sign up for FAFSA, Michigan Student Aid is holding a “Reach for the Pie” contest in which 100 graduating high school seniors can win free Hungry Howie’s pizza for a year. All graduates need to do is sign up by the June 30 deadline, then text PIZZA to 844-34-PIZZA.

Students of all income levels are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA. This year the application is 36 questions long and takes an estimated 30 minutes to complete.

The City of Flint Service Center is located at 4805 Clio Rd., Flint.