High school seniors should begin the process of applying for financial aid for college and technical schools soon. The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application shows students their eligibility for grants and loans, and is used by colleges across the country to develop each student’s financial aid package.
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), along with Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, hosted a kickoff event on October 4 to help draw attention to this important step on the journey to higher education. These three organizations, collectively known as M-Cubed, are working to streamline the pathway from high school to college so MPS students have access to resources that will help them succeed after graduation, including college credits earned while still in high school. Helping students complete the FAFSA is a priority for M-Cubed so students can access available financial support.
To help more students access grants and loans for college, MPS has updated its graduation requirements to include completion of the FAFSA. Beginning with the Class of 2023, high school seniors will be required to fill out the FAFSA. Some exceptions will apply.
MPS has College and Career Centers in 21 high schools to help students fill out the FAFSA, explore colleges, write essays, and complete college applications. Hours vary by school. MPS students can contact any College and Career Center to get the help they need from a college and career advisor. For more information about College and Career Center locations, hours, and services, visit the MPS College and Career Centers page at https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/Programs/College-and-Career-Centers.htm.
FAFSA for the 2023–24 school year opened on October 1, and more money is sometimes available to early applicants. Students who wish to fill out the FAFSA should visit https://studentaid.gov/. Applicants are cautioned to use only this website and to avoid any websites that charge a fee.
