100 future college students could win free pizza for a year if they fill out FAFSA form

More than 100 graduating high school seniors heading to college could win a year of free Hungry Howie's pizza to enjoy while studying or hanging out with new friends.

The catch? Students have to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or a FAFSA, which helps students unlock federal, state and institutional financial aid.

It takes 15 minutes to apply for thousands of dollars to help Michigan students pay for college, said Lt. Garlin Gilchrist to students Tuesday at Grand Ledge High School, 13 miles west of Lansing.

"This is free money that comes within 15 minutes on your phone to fill out the FAFSA," said Gilchrist. "I want every one of you who decides you want to continue your education to be able to afford it."

Gilchrist kicked off the "Reach for the Pie" contest to urge students across the state to fill out the FAFSA form.

The contest comes as the White House and the U.S. Department of Education declared April 15-19 as the FAFSA Week of Action to encourage students to fill out the form, which was streamlined last year. It was released later than usual and is experiencing processing issues.

Officials still encourage students to fill out the form so they don't miss out on the free money, such as the federal Pell grant, which will award up to $7,395 in 2024-25. There also is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which awards up to $27,500 over five years to attend a four-year Michigan public university or college; up to $20,000 over five years to attend a Michigan private college or university and up to $8,250 over three years to attend a Michigan community college. The FAFSA form also helps universities and colleges award students financial aid awarded by the institution.

"But here's the deal: Too many students don't complete their FAFSA, which is the very first step to putting cash in your pocket and making college more affordable," said Michelle Richard, director of MiLeap, the state's department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential.

Michigan students currently are behind in filling out the form: only 26% of high school seniors have turned in a FAFSA, ranking the state 30th in the nation for completion, according to the National College Attainment Network's FAFSA Tracker. At this same time last year, 17,937 more students had completed the form.

"Our goal today is to be able to combine two things I love: cash and pizza," said Richard. "As you are making your plans for the end of senior year that you spend time reminding your friends, you neighbors ... to complete the FAFSA. It takes 15 minutes. It's easy, it's fast and you could get pizza."

Students have until June 30 to fill out the form and enter the competition to win a year's worth of pizza. After completing the form, students should text FAFSA to 844-34-PIZZA (8843474992) and fill out a form with their name, email and mailing address. Students who have already filled out the form also can enter the contest.

Winners will be announced on the website, reachforthepie.org, on or after Aug. 1.

"Hungry Howie's is always proud to serve the communities throughout the state of Michigan, and to partner with MiLeap and MiStudent aid on this very important initiative," said Kevin Dittrich, a Hungry Howie’s franchisee/owner.

kkozlowski@detroitnews.com