New school year ushers in new FAFSA requirement for MPS high school seniors

Milwaukee Public Schools high school students will be required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to graduate. The measure approved by the Milwaukee Board of Directors in June goes into effect beginning with students starting their senior year this fall.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Area Technical College believe this change will benefit all MPS students in making sure they are aware of, and have access to, the myriad opportunities available to them to help pay for higher education. Filling out the FAFSA is a requirement to unlock access to federal grants, loans and other types of aid. We know that people with college degrees earn significantly more wages over the course of their lives, allowing them to positively contribute to their families and communities.

The new requirement also builds on the education partnership that MPS, MATC and UWM have forged through M³, where one of the top priorities has been to raise awareness of the importance of the FAFSA and encourage students to fill out the form.

As always, MATC and UWM stand ready to support MPS students in any way as they look ahead to the next stage of their academic careers.

Below are statements from UWM Chancellor Mark Mone and MATC President Vicki Martin about the vote:

MATC President Vicki Martin

As the first person in my family to go to college, I know how many doors the FAFSA opens in higher education. Completing this important financial aid form is required to access the free-tuition MATC Promise and countless grant and scholarship opportunities at MATC, UWM and other colleges and universities across the state and nation.

The new MPS FAFSA graduation requirement is yet another way MPS, MATC and UWM are working together to transform the future of Milwaukee through education by empowering students and families and helping our region thrive.

UWM Chancellor Mark Mone

Milwaukee Public Schools took a positive step forward in helping to ensure that MPS high school students and their families fill out the FAFSA form that is critical to unlocking opportunities to help pay for college. Students who are eligible for aid but who do not complete the FAFSA leave behind money that could be used toward furthering their education.

As a first-generation college student, I firmly believe that education can change lives. It’s why the Milwaukee Board of Directors’ vote was so important. Working in partnership with MATC and MPS through M³, UWM is committed to helping all students afford higher education.