On Tuesday, Michigan officials announced a sweepstakes, the Ticket to Tuition, that will award up to $50,000 in college funds if they fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Thursday aimed at increasing the number of men pursuing college or job training, lowering a persistent gap that has widened in recent years.

The Michigan College Access Network is kicking off AmeriCorps Week Mar. 9-15. During this week, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps seniors are encouraged to volunteer their time across the community at local high schools, colleges and businesses. It’s an opportunity for members to share their experiences about their time serving and educate others on the program.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced recently that $10 million has been awarded to 75 school districts and public school academies statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Challenge. Atherton Community Schools in Burton received $47,629.80 and Bentley Community Schools, also in Burton, received $51,598.95.

With a bold stride toward educational progress, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential announced a striking $10 million allocation set to benefit 75 school districts statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge initiative.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential has announced that $10 million has been awarded to 75 school districts and public school academies statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge. The three Upper Peninsula school districts that received awards are Bark River-Harris School District, $39,691.50; Iron Mountain Public Schools, $84,145.98; and Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County, $59,537.25.

“To compete in the global economy, Michigan needs to build a flexible, well-educated workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This budget demonstrates the governor’s commitment to our future by supporting increased college readiness, participation and completion," MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss said in a statement.

MiLEAP is partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to support districts in their efforts. The Iron Mountain school board last month approved a change its graduation policy to accommodate the FAFSA initiative.

Hartland Consolidated Schools, Kensington Woods and Ann Arbor are among 75 Michigan districts splitting $10 million from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential, or MiLEAP.

"Even though we have a small uptick, that's a win, and we want to celebrate that," Fewins-Bliss said. "But we are still leaps and bounds away from where we were at the peak time of enrollment and FAFSA completion."