Michigan Students Win Up to $50K in FAFSA Sweepstakes

Michigan Students Win Scholarships Up to $50,000 in Statewide Initiative

More than 50 Michigan students have been awarded scholarships as part of a unique program designed to encourage college affordability and financial aid completion. The initiative, known as the “Ticket to Tuition” program, has provided opportunities for students to win up to $50,000 by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This effort aims to increase access to higher education and support students in their academic journeys.

The program was launched by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) in partnership with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). It was introduced earlier this year as a way to motivate students to complete the FAFSA, which is essential for accessing federal and state financial aid. The program’s goal was to create a sense of urgency around FAFSA submission, making it easier for students to understand how they can afford college.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist joined MiLEAP and MCAN officials on July 28 at Wayne State University to celebrate the announcement of the winners. The event highlighted the importance of financial aid and its role in helping students achieve their educational goals.

How the Program Worked

The “Ticket to Tuition” initiative offered 40 scholarships of $10,000 and 10 scholarships of $50,000. These prizes were given to first-time FAFSA filers who had enrolled in a Michigan Education Savings Program account. The total prize pool amounted to nearly $1 million, with the funds intended for qualified education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, living costs, computers, and textbooks.

Students who participated in the program were required to submit their FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year. The program saw a significant response, with over 9,000 students entering the sweepstakes within the first week of its launch. By the end of the giveaway period in May, more than 50,000 students had completed the FAFSA, with 21,112 of them participating in the “Ticket to Tuition” initiative.

Winners of the Program

Here are the names of the students who won the prizes:

$50,000 Winners

• Cadie Benedict, Chelsea
• Maya Dakroub, Dearborn
• Lukas Gojcaj, Farmington Hills
• Angel Griffith, Detroit
• Calli Heleski, Riverdale
• Nathan Herbert, Detroit
• Elinor Molesta, Ada
• Tessa Prough, Otsego
• Gavin Willis, Blanchard
• Blake Woodliff, Burton

$10,000 Winners

• Maya Bingle, Zeeland
• Kazhmier Burns, Monroe
• Ayah Chahine, Dearborn
• Bryan Cortez, Muskegon
• Nicholas Curry, Adrian
• Emily Fuller, Eaton Rapids
• Malakai Gallant, Michigan Center
• Kennedy Glentz, Harbor Springs
• Jackson Hoorn, Belmont
• Tyler Johnson, Otsego
• Giovanni Kadets, Fraser
• Kathryn Kuptz, Davison
• Airyana Lott, Buchanan
• Melaina Magnusson, Spring Arbor
• Ah’ja McCoy, Pontiac
• Esmeralda Mendoza-Segura, Lansing
• Skylar Metro, Almont
• Cecilia Moore, Canton
• Taya Motto-Polaski, Wallace
• Hassan Mustapha, Dearborn
• Maddox Podmokly, Royal Oak
• Connor Riker, Pentwater
• Carson Riopelle, Atlas
• Lamya Robinson, Roseville
• Ryan Rowland, Livonia
• Deanna Ruiz, Saline
• Lauren Skidmore, Dearborn
• Justin Stewart, Wyandotte
• Tasnim Sultana Omi, Warren
• Jayden Swanson, Palmer
• Graceful Tompkins, Interlochen
• Lauren Trader, Albion
• Kathryn Weatherford, Caledonia
• Emma Witbrodt, Frankenmuth
• Nathan Wittbrodt, Hudsonville
• Keren Ventura, Benton Harbor
• Long Vo, Dearborn Heights
• Ariana Wolfe, Farmington
• Elia Yvon, Essexville
• Milton Zhou, Ann Arbor

Impact of the Program

The “Ticket to Tuition” initiative has been praised for its innovative approach to encouraging students to complete the FAFSA. MiLEAP Director Beverly Walker-Griffea emphasized that the program highlights the idea that college and career training are accessible to everyone. Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director at MCAN, noted that the program demonstrated the effectiveness of providing encouragement, clear information, and real incentives to students.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the program in April as part of a broader effort to improve FAFSA completion rates and connect more students to financial aid. The success of the initiative shows the positive impact of combining education, support, and incentives to help students achieve their academic dreams.