One Hundred Michigan Students Awarded Free Pizza for a Year in First-Ever ‘Reach for the Pie’ Contest to Promote FAFSA
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced 100 students won free pizza for a year in its first-ever “Reach for the Pie” pizza giveaway contest to boost completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and raise awareness about state financial aid opportunities. The department and local leaders celebrated the winners as well as the Fiscal Year 2025 budget investment in the Community College Guarantee at Grand Rapids Community College on Aug. 14, 2024.
More than 7,300 students from across the state completed their FAFSA form and entered the “Reach for the Pie” contest for a chance to win free pizza for a year – one pizza per week for 52 weeks – from Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, a Michigan based company. The effort is one way the state is working toward Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal to have at least 60% of Michiganders earn a degree or skilled certificate by 2030.
The FAFSA is the first step for students to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship – the state’s signature scholarship program – and the Community College Guarantee. Starting with the class of 2023 and beyond, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship significantly lowers, or in some cases eliminates, the cost of college. Qualifying students attending a public or private university can receive up to $27,500 to earn a bachelor’s degree. Through the Community College Guarantee, students attending their local community college can earn their skill certificate or degree tuition-free.
At the press conference, speakers included “Reach for the Pie” winner, Jana Schroeder, of Cedar Springs, Carol Glanville (D-Walker), Representative and Chair of the Higher Education Committee, Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, Winnie Brinks, Senate Majority Leader, and Hungry Howie’s franchise owner, Kevin Dittrich.
“I’m grateful for MiLEAP, the Executive Office, the Michigan Credit Union Leage and Michigan Credit Union Foundation and Hungry Howie’s for working together to put on this exciting contest,” said Senate Majority Leader Brinks. “Together, let’s continue propelling Michigan forward to a future where financial security is attainable for everyone.”
For a list of confirmed “Reach for the Pie” winners, visit ReachForthePie.org.
Access the video of the event here.
« Return to "Foundation"
