School districts across Michigan receive Universal FAFSA Challenge Awards

Funding supports high schools in strengthening FAFSA completion and expanding access to

postsecondary education

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently announced the recipients of $10 million in Universal FAFSA Challenge Awards, designed to support schools across the state in helping more students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and take the next step toward college or career training.

“Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take to unlock postsecondary opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Through the Universal FAFSA Challenge, we are supporting schools as they build systems and supports that help students and families navigate the FAFSA process with confidence and access the financial resources available to them.”

FAFSA completion is the gateway to critical state and federal scholarships and loans, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Community College Guarantee, which provides students up to $27,500 toward a four-year degree or a tuition-free pathway to an associate degree or skill certificate.

Awarded districts include Hartford Public Schools in the amount of $82,863.38 and Watervliet Public Schools in the amount of $96,934.52.

FAFSA completion remains one of the strongest predictors of whether a student will pursue postsecondary education. Beyond immediate financial benefits, higher FAFSA completion rates also support Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, ensuring more working-age adults earn a degree or credential by 2030.

MiLEAP encourages all students and families who have not yet completed the FAFSA to do so online by visiting FAFSA.gov or by submitting a paper form to claim financial aid that can make higher education and career training more affordable.

For more information about the Universal FAFSA Challenge and other resources, visit the MiLEAP Office of Higher Education webpage.

Coloma Public Library to

expand hours starting in April

The Coloma Public Library is pleased to announce updated public service hours beginning April 6, 2026. The new schedule adds hours on Fridays and Saturdays while keeping the most popular weekday evening hours in place.

The new hours will be: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Sunday: Closed.

The change increases the library’s total weekly service hours from 50 to 52; and is based on a year-long data collection of when patrons most often visited. By adjusting hours slightly during the week and expanding weekend access, the library aims to better meet the needs of working adults, families, and weekend visitors.

For more information, visit www.colomapubliclibrary.net, stop by the library, or call 269-468-3431.

WHS robotics team collecting cans to cover

expenses

The robotics team, Pantron-X 9758, for Watervliet Public Schools is conducting a can drive to raise funds. On Saturday, March 7 they will be at the front of the high school from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to collect empty cans. Community members can drive up and the students will take the cans from the vehicle, no need to get out of your car!

The team will use proceeds from the fundraiser to cover expenses for their upcoming regional competitions on March 21-22 at Berrien Springs and March 28-29 at Battle Creek.

Coloma Lanes Youth Bowling

High scores for 2/21/26

Bantams: Ariyah York 200, Aubrie Bronkala 190, Isabelle Punches 186, AJ Basave 229, Brayden Dasse 215, Ryder Woodard 192

Preps: Kourtney Webster 348, Aryah Sanders 342, Ava Basave 303, Chayse Simmons 450, Maven Simmons 447, Tayshaun Chalifour 377

Jr./Majors: Baylee Flowers 597, Melina Moore 589, Linda Lara 450, Easton Morlock 573, Gavin Downey 482, Nehemiah Sanders 475