GISD FAFSA Workshop Aims to Help More Genesee County Seniors Unlock Financial Aid

FLINT, Michigan — With thousands of dollars in financial aid going unclaimed each year in Genesee County, the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) is stepping up efforts to help local high school seniors secure the support they need for college or career training. In partnership with the Genesee County Career and College Access Network (GCCCAN), GISD will host a free, hands-on FAFSA Workshop on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the GISD Erwin Davis Education Center, located at 2413 Maple Road in Flint (Entrance #3), to guide families through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Held during what GISD leaders call a “critical window” for graduating seniors, the workshop comes at a time when students are finalizing post-graduation plans and colleges are beginning to package financial aid offers.

“December is a critical time for high school seniors as they begin finalizing their post-graduation plans,” said Corrine Walworth, GCCCAN Coordinator. “Completing the FAFSA early helps students access the full range of financial support available, including federal grants, work-study, scholarships, loans, and important state aid such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Community College Guarantee.”

Walworth emphasized that the Community College Guarantee is particularly impactful for local students, offering tuition-free community college regardless of income. Students eligible for the Pell Grant can also receive a $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus to help with books, supplies, or living expenses. For those attending a four-year college or university, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship offers up to $5,500 per year for five years, and can be combined with the Community College Guarantee.

“The only way to access these opportunities is by completing the FAFSA,” Walworth said. “There’s no separate application needed.”

Although the FAFSA process was recently simplified, many families remain unsure of where to start or what documents they’ll need. That uncertainty contributes to the large amount of unclaimed financial aid in the region.

“Many families are unaware of how essential the FAFSA is,” Walworth explained. “For first-time applicants, the process can feel intimidating, even though it’s now faster to complete.”

GISD hopes to break down those barriers by providing trained financial aid support, encouraging families to create FSA IDs in advance, and promoting online resources such as the district’s Beyond Graduation website, which serves as a central hub for college, career, and scholarship information.

Together, GISD’s partnership with GCCCAN shares resources, coordinates messaging, and offers multiple points of support for students preparing for life after high school.

“Our collaboration helps ensure students receive consistent support as they explore their postsecondary options,” Walworth said. “We’re working together to make college and career pathways more accessible for every Genesee County student.”

Higher FAFSA completion rates are directly linked to higher rates of college enrollment—particularly for students from low-income backgrounds. GISD hopes this workshop reduces stress for families and boosts confidence in navigating the financial aid process.

“More completed FAFSAs mean more students accessing federal grants, work-study opportunities, and state support,” Walworth said. “We want every Genesee County senior to feel empowered to pursue college or career training without financial barriers standing in the way.”

GISD’s support continues beyond December. Throughout the year, students can tap into resources available through the Beyond Graduation website, including:

• Senior Success Toolkit
• Guide to College Planning
• Career Connection Center resources
• Financial aid and scholarship information
• Career exploration tools

Additionally, families can find FAFSA workshop registration and other upcoming events directly on the site.

Families can register for the December 10th workshop here, or through the Upcoming Events calendar on beyondgrad.org. While a small number of devices will be available on-site, families are encouraged to bring their own devices and create their FSA ID at FAFSA.gov ahead of time.