Five U.P. schools have been awarded part of $10 million awarded to 75 schools statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA Challenge. The initiative, as part of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) programs, is designed to increase completion of FAFSA by high school seniors in Michigan in order to send more students to college and career training after high school. Beverly Walker-Griffea,?director of MiLEAP, says the funding reinforces the states commitment to ensuring that every learner has what they need to succeed. The more FAFSA applications that are completed, the more students can avail themselves of affordable pathways to higher education. The funding awarded to schools in the U.P. ranges from just over $30,000 to around $84,000. Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County has been awarded $59,537.25.