Lakeside bonds for life: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha for Girls

The daily morning plunge into Arbutus Lake is a dare-turned-tradition at YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha for Girls. Many campers insist it’s the best way to start the day.

It’s one of many small rituals that help a new camper feel part of something bigger. Camp Arbutus has welcomed girls for more than a century, and the camp’s motto, “Each for all, all for each,” is practiced in real time. 

“Campers leave here with the knowledge and feeling that they have become a part of something that spans through the decades and across the globe, bringing them into a camp community that is here for them through thick and thin,” says Camp Director Mackenzie Morison. 

A typical day at Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

Located in Traverse City, Michigan, YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha serves girls ages 8-17 with overnight two- and four-week sessions running June 14-August 8.

After a cold lake plunge and breakfast, each cabin chooses activities as a team. Afternoons open up free-choice time for campers, including specialty clubs, swimming and freeplay areas to socialize with friends beyond their cabin.

After the sun starts to drop, campers gather together for a different evening program every night. “The day many look forward to is Super Saturday, an all-day theme party where campers and staff can dress up and get silly,” Morison says.

Wilderness adventure trips that broaden horizons

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

Every camper takes a wilderness trip while at YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha, a defining part of the experience that builds grit and leaves them “grinning from ear to ear and brimming with stories.”

“There’s nothing like the accomplishment and pride campers come off the bus with after three days on the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, or two weeks on Isle Royale National Park,” Morison says.

Pathways to growth through new challenges

Photo credit: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha

YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha is tech-free, which can feel like a relief once campers settle into real friendships and full days outdoors.

“By unplugging from technology, we offer kids the opportunity to plug into the world around them and the people, too,” Morison says.

“Campers are learning important interpersonal skills when it comes to things like relationship building and conflict resolution, skills that they take home with them at the end of the session.”

Each camper’s resilience grows the same way. “By showing campers new places and introducing them to new activities, we broaden their horizons and teach them how to work through new and unfamiliar situations,” she says. “This allows them to identify their strengths and teaches them that you don’t have to be good at something right away. That it’s okay to try again, and with people that you trust to help you through it.”

Camp at a glance

• Camp name: YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
• Location: Traverse City, Michigan
• Address: 1380 E Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696
• Ages: 8-17
• Camp type: Overnight camp
• Session length: Two- and four-week sessions
• Dates: June 14-August 8

Families interested in the broader YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps can also find tradition and wilderness adventure at [YMCA Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha for Boys] on Torch Lake.

This content is sponsored by YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps. To learn more, visit the YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha website and discover more camps in and around metro Detroit in the Best Camps Guide.

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Gifted learners grow in good company at The Roeper School

The right school fit can change the way a gifted child sees themself. For more than 80 years, The Roeper School has been a place where curiosity is encouraged and students can find depth, challenge and intellectual connection.

The Roeper School is a private school for gifted learners in preschool through grade 12, with campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. Students learn in discussion-based classes, alongside peers, with room for independent exploration across subjects.

“Gifted children often see the world a little differently. They ask big questions, make unexpected connections and are eager to explore ideas in depth,” says Anne Glass, Head of School. “At The Roeper School, those qualities are not only understood — they are the foundation of the learning experience.”

The school’s mission focuses on developing both intellect and character, preparing gifted learners to become active and compassionate citizens of the world.

Academics centered on discussion and inquiry

Photo credit: The Roeper School

At The Roeper School, classes are designed to keep students engaged both in the material and in each other’s thinking.

“Classes emphasize discussion, inquiry and exploration rather than memorization or rigid pacing,” Glass says. “Seminar-style courses invite students to analyze complex ideas, examine different perspectives and develop their own informed viewpoints.”

Roeper’s approach to gifted education focuses on curiosity, creativity and the individual ways students learn.

That classroom dynamic is shaped in part by the students around them. Shared curiosity can push a conversation further, whether students are discussing ethical questions in humanities, conducting science research or presenting projects sparked by their own interests.

“When classmates share a love of learning and a willingness to ask thoughtful questions, classrooms become lively places where ideas are explored collaboratively,” she says.

School culture values student voice

Photo credit: The Roeper School

Roeper students are given space to follow their interests, launch ideas and contribute to the community around them.

“Learners are encouraged to take ownership of their education and their community — whether that means developing independent projects, starting clubs or organizing initiatives around issues they care about,” Glass says.

Questions of fairness, ethics and social responsibility are part of school life, asking students to consider how their knowledge and abilities can contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

Opportunities in arts, athletics and leadership

Photo credit: The Roeper School

Outside the classroom, The Roeper School offers programs in visual arts, music, theater, creative writing, robotics, debate and outdoor education.

The school’s no-cut policy in athletics and theater allows students to participate without competing for limited spots. “Students who want to participate are welcomed onto teams or into productions, creating an environment where trying something new is encouraged,” Glass explains. 

For families looking for a private school for gifted learners, The Roeper School offers a community where curiosity is encouraged, student voice matters and children can grow with intellectual peers who take learning seriously.

School snapshot

The Roeper School
41190 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
1051 Oakland Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
Grades served: Preschool-12
Enrollment: About 500 students
School type: Private
Specialty: Gifted education
Website: roeper.org
Phone: 248-203-7300

This content is sponsored by The Roeper School. To learn more, visit The Roeper School website and discover more schools in the Best Schools Guide.

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Plan a stress-free spring break in Lansing the whole family will remember

With spring break approaching, many families are looking to plan trips to warm-weather destinations. Still, these vacation spots can be expensive, and it is often hard to find places that suit every family member’s needs.

Lansing makes spring break easier, offering family fun without the need for excessive planning or taking extensive hours off work. Plus, several excursions in the Lansing area cater to the needs of neurodivergent children and other family members who might require a more sensory-friendly space.

About 90 minutes from Detroit, Lansing has family-friendly dining, affordable stays and a range of entertainment options to create a memorable spring break. 

Spring temperatures in Lansing creep up to the high 50s and mid-60s. While this isn’t Hawaii weather, the city has high-energy attractions, both indoors and outdoors, to keep families entertained during their stay.

 

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Indoor attractions in Lansing for spring break

Zap Zone XL: “The ultimate indoor amusement center for all ages” offers laser tag, glow golf, arcade games and more, all under neon lights.

Sky Zone: This family-favorite trampoline park has rows of trampolines for kids to jump on, along with special glow nights and agility courses that let kids burn off energy.

High Caliber Karting & Entertainment: Go-karting and arcade games keep younger kids active while older kids explore axe-throwing and rage rooms at this center. 

Launch Lansing: Another trampoline park that features sports like basketball, dodgeball and tumbling, but with a bouncy twist.

Dave and Busters: This family classic has arcade games and more, with restaurants on-site after the fun.

Outdoor attractions in Lansing for fresh-air fun

Photo credit: Andrew Schmidt

Potter Park Zoo: Other than visiting the adorable animals at Potter Park Zoo, there are also special events like Night at the Living Museum and Party for the Planet lined up this spring.

Fenner Nature Center: This environmental center has 134 acres of explorable green space for a calm family stroll, along with educational exhibits at the visitor center.

A Day at Lake Lansing: Despite the cooler temperatures, there is a sandy beach at Lake Lansing, along with sports courts, fishing and hiking trails.

Sensory-friendly activities designed for every family member

Photo credit: Andrew Schmidt

The Lansing region prides itself on its increase in sensory-friendly and other accommodating options over the years, named as one of the top destinations for autistic families in the U.S. by Accessible Journeys Magazine. 

If not holistically made for family members in need of safer spaces, several locations offer set hours and days for sensory-friendly play.

Sensory-friendly dates to know this spring

• Potter Park Zoo Falconers: Sensory-friendly events once a month, outlined on their website.

• Abrams Planetarium: Events on the third Sunday of every month, at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• Impression 5 Science Center: Select Sundays and Wednesdays, outlined on their website.

• High Caliber Karting & Entertainment: Events on the first Sunday of every month, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Launch Lansing: Events on the first Wednesday of every month with reduced pricing, from 4-8 p.m.

• MSU Community Music School: Sensory-friendly Spartan Concerts on April 14.

• Sensory-friendly movie showings:

• Neighborhood Cinema Group: Select dates outlined on website
• Celebration Cinema: Select dates outlined on website

Family-friendly restaurants in Lansing

Families can wind down after a long day of playing indoors or outdoors with a meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurants in Greater Lansing.

The Fleetwood Diner, known for its red booths and checkered floors, is a great option for all meals of the day. Yelp reviewers love the hippie hash and french toast. For easy Italian eats, Pizza House has Chicago-style deep dish pizza, as well as delicious pastas and sandwiches. 

Other than these classic options, many restaurants in Lansing offer discounts for kids at select times during the day.

Kids-eat-free and budget-friendly dining nights

• Lansing Shuffle: free one hour shuffle board on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• HopCat East Lansing: kids eat free for weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

• The Cosmos: kids eat free on Sundays.

• Gravity Smoke House: kids eat free on Thursdays.

• Pins & Pints: kids eat free on Thursdays.

• Old Nation Brewing Co – 50% off kid’s menu on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Art & Jake’s: 50% off kid’s menu on Tuesdays.

Comfortable and inclusive hotels in Lansing

Photo credit: Andrew Schmidt

The best thing about visiting the Lansing area is its proximity to Metro Detroit. However, it may be hard to cover all of these attractions in just one day.

Staying in Lansing can be affordable and often accommodates every family member’s needs. Along with the sights and activities above, many hotels are equipped with training materials and toolkits to improve stay experiences for neurodiverse guests.

Additionally, there are plenty of hotels with pools in the Lansing region to really make it feel like spring break. Paired with family-friendly entertainment and eats, staying in Lansing for a few days over spring break offers a simpler alternative to long-distance travel that can be just as fun as taking a tropical vacation.

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Metro Detroit baseball teams that are a hit with families

Metro Detroit is a hotbed for baseball enthusiasts, boasting many leagues that cater to fans of all ages and interests. From the electrifying atmosphere of major league games to the intimate charm of local minor league matches, this region is an all-star lineup of baseball experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, Metro Detroit’s baseball scene is swinging for the fences.

Major League Baseball

The Detroit Tigers

For most, Detroit’s baseball passion lies with the illustrious Detroit Tigers, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most storied franchises. With a legacy dating back to 1894, the Tigers’ games at Comerica Park are a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike.

The ballpark offers more than just a game; it’s an experience complete with iconic views of the Detroit skyline, family-friendly activities, and a palpable sense of history. Watching the Tigers play is as much about savoring baseball as it is about embracing the spirit of Detroit.

Minor League Teams

Photo credit: USPBL

For those seeking a closer connection with the players and a chance to see future stars in the making, the minor leagues in and around Metro Detroit are not to be missed.

United Shore Professional Baseball League

A standout entrant in Metro Detroit’s baseball tapestry is the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL). Based in Utica, Michigan, this independent league features four teams, including the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers, Eastside Diamond Hoppers, Utica Unicorns and Westside Woolly Mammoths.

The USPBL offers an intimate setting at Jimmy John’s Field, where every seat provides an excellent view of the action and fans can engage with players before and after games, forging personal connections rarely found in larger leagues.

Formed in 2016, the league has quickly garnered a dedicated following, thanks in part to its innovative approach to the game experience. Each game is an event, featuring themed nights, fireworks, and opportunities for fans to participate in on-field activities.

Toledo Mud Hens

Just south of the border in Toledo, Ohio, the Toledo Mud Hens offer a classic minor league experience just a short drive from Detroit. As the Triple-A affiliate of the Tigers, the Mud Hens are a vital stepping stone for players hoping to make it to the majors and one of the most successful teams in Minor League Baseball. Fifth Third Field, known for its welcoming atmosphere and engaging promotions, is a family-friendly venue, where fans can enjoy the game up close without the hustle and bustle of larger crowds.

West Michigan Whitecaps

Meanwhile, the West Michigan Whitecaps, based in Comstock Park near Grand Rapids, provide a fantastic experience within the Detroit Tigers farm system. This Class A affiliate boasts a vibrant fan base and a welcoming stadium atmosphere that makes every game feel like a celebration. The Whitecaps are known for their innovative promotions and delicious ballpark fare, making each visit a treat for the senses.

Erie SeaWolves

The Erie SeaWolves are another Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers with ties to Lake Erie. They were founded in 1995 and found a quick series of competitive successes that led to their joining of the Eastern League in 1999. Like the Toledo Mud Hens, the SeaWolves offer young talent with a pipeline opportunity to advance from the Minor League ranks to Major League Baseball. The Erie Seawolves have a lively fan base that spans from baseball lovers from Erie and Metro Detroit alike.

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Top 10 things to do with metro Detroit kids this April

This April, metro Detroit is packed with exciting family-friendly events! Celebrate Earth Day, enjoy spring craft fairs or take part in canoeing with your kids.

Ready to plan your month? Scroll down to explore our top picks for April family events in Detroit and around metro Detroit that will keep your calendar full of spring fun!

Read more: Find Our Full List of April Events in Metro Parent’s Events Calendar 

Fun Things to Do with Kids in April

Spring Fling Dance Party at Novi Public Library

April 1, 2026

Address: 45255 Ten Mile Road, Novi
Cost: Free (registration required)

Families with children ages 3–6 are invited to celebrate spring at this fun dance party at the Novi Public Library. Kids can enjoy music, light refreshments and sensory activities while dancing and playing with friends. Pastel, floral or dressy outfits are encouraged, making it a festive outing for little ones and their caregivers.

Detroit Tigers Home Opener at Comerica Park

April 3, 2026

• Address: 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit
• Cost: Ticket prices vary

Nothing signals the start of spring in Detroit quite like Tigers Opening Day. The Detroit Tigers take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Comerica Park, where families can enjoy the Ferris wheel, carousel and classic ballpark snacks while cheering on the home team. It’s a longtime Detroit tradition and a fun way to kick off the baseball season together.

Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo

April 8 – June 14, 2026

• Address: 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
• Cost: Tickets start at $22

Experience a magical evening at the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, where handcrafted lantern displays transform John Ball Zoo into a glowing nighttime wonderland. Visitors can walk a one-mile illuminated path filled with vibrant scenes inspired by wildlife and Chinese cultural traditions, including dragons, phoenixes and zodiac animals.

Greenfield Village Opening Day at The Henry Ford

April 11, 2026

• Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
• Cost: Admission varies

History comes alive when Greenfield Village opens for the season. Families can ride in vintage vehicles, explore historic homes and watch interactive demonstrations that bring the past to life. It’s an outdoor adventure that blends hands-on learning with plenty of fun for kids and adults alike.

GreenFest at the Detroit Zoo

Photo Credit: Detroit Zoological Society

April 11-12, 2026

• Address: 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Cost: Free w/zoo admission and for members

There will be live entertainment, a vibrant marketplace, engaging hands-on activities and more at this annual celebration.

All Things Detroit Day at Eastern Market

April 12, 2026

• Address: 2934 Russell St., Detroit
• Cost: $7/general admission, $15/beat the crowd admission

Shop from over 200 local makers at this annual All Things Detroit Day inside Sheds 3, 4 and 5 at Eastern Market.

Earth Day Celebration at Drake Sports Park

April 16, 2026

Address: 6801 Drake Road, West Bloomfield
Cost: Free (registration required)

Celebrate Earth Day outdoors at Drake Sports Park with hands-on activities focused on nature and conservation. Families can enjoy recycled crafts, live animal interactions and displays from local conservation partners, plus the first 50 families will receive a free tree seedling. Guests can also sign up for a guided nature hike along the park’s ¾-mile paved trail, making this a fun and educational way to spend time outside together.

Earth Day Canoeing at Crosswinds Marsh

April 22, 2026

• Address: 27600 Haggerty Road, Sumpter Township
• Cost: $20 per canoe

Celebrate Earth Day with an evening paddle through the wetlands at Crosswinds Marsh. This naturalist-led canoe trip takes participants past beaver lodges and an eagle’s nest while learning about the history and wildlife of the marsh. Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided, making it a unique outdoor experience for families who enjoy nature and adventure.

Warren Spring Craft & Vendor Show at the Warren Community Center

April 25, 2026

• Address: 5460 Arden Ave., Warren
• Cost: Free admission

Celebrate the season and shop local at the Warren Community Center’s Spring Craft & Vendor Show. Browse a wide variety of handmade items, unique crafts and goods from local vendors, perfect for spring décor, gifts and one-of-a-kind finds.

Pasture Pals at Charles L. Bowers School Farm

April 29, 2026

Address: 1219 E. Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
Cost: $25

Young children and their caregivers can explore life on the farm during this hands-on learning program at Charles L. Bowers School Farm. Kids ages 3–5 will help with simple farm activities, get a little messy and learn what it takes to keep the farm running. April’s theme, Springtime on the Farm, introduces little ones to seasonal farm tasks and outdoor discovery alongside a parent or caregiver.

This article was recently updated on March 12, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included adding new metro Detroit events to the MetroParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events in metro Detroit this month, aligning Metro Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. 

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Your guide to metro Detroit weekend events for kids and families (March 20-22)

There’s a good mix of family fun happening around metro Detroit this weekend. You’ll find everything from outdoor nature programs and hands-on museum events to Easter fun and big live shows. Start with a few top picks, then scroll for even more events happening across the region.

These are three of the best family events to check out first:

Spring arts and crafts show at White Lake Oaks Golf Course (March 21): Families can browse handmade goods and shop from more than 40 local artists and vendors at this spring arts and crafts show. Parents can look for home décor, jewelry, candles and other gifts while kids check out the booths and enjoy an easy indoor outing together.

Monster Jam at Ford Field (March 21-22): Families can watch massive trucks and world-class drivers compete in racing, skills and freestyle events at Ford Field. Kids who want even more action can add on the Pit Party to see the trucks up close before the show. Pit Party passes are sold separately.

Warren Spring Carnival at Warren Community Center (March 21): Families can enjoy a free spring event with an Easter Bunny visit, egg hunt, inflatables, balloon sculptures, face painting and seed planting. It is a great option for younger kids, and parents should know the event is open to the public.

There are plenty of other family-friendly events happening across metro Detroit during the weekend of March 20-22, too.

Read more: Find More Weekend Fun in Our Family Events Calendar

What are the best things to do with kids in Metro Detroit this weekend (March 20-22)?

Oakland County:

Discovery Days: Science Behind the Game Minecraft at Cranbrook Institute of Science

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 21

Kids can explore real-world science through hands-on activities, crafts and demonstrations inspired by Minecraft at this museum event. Families can expect building challenges, circuits, cave art and more, and parents should know it is included with general museum admission.

• Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
  
• Cost: Free with general museum admission
  
• Age fit: Preschool, toddlers, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens and teens

The Fairytale Princess Ball at Fairytale Fun Place

6 p.m. Friday, March 20; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21

Kids who love princesses can enjoy live performances, singing, dancing, photos and a crowning ceremony at this dress-up-friendly event. Parents should know the venue will be closed to the public during the event, and tickets are expected to sell out.

• Address: 7127 Dixie Highway, Clarkston
  
• Age fit: Preschool, toddlers, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens and teens

See more Oakland County family events here.

Macomb County:

Michigan Wildlife Puppet Play at Nature Center

10-11 a.m. Friday, March 20

Kids ages 3-5 can learn about animals like red foxes, river otters and snowy owls through interactive storytelling at this puppet play. Children will also make an animal puppet to take home and join a mini puppet show. Registration is required.

• Cost: $8 for residents, $11 for nonresidents
  
• Age fit: Preschool

Pancake Breakfast at the Farm at Wolcott Mill Metropark

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 21

Families can celebrate maple syrup season with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and a wagon ride to the sugar bush to see how sap becomes syrup. Real maple syrup will also be available to buy and take home. Pre-registration is required.

• Address: 63841 Wolcott Road, Romeo
  
• Cost: $8 per person, free for children younger than 2, $10 vehicle entry
  
• Age fit: Preschool, toddlers, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens and teens

See more Macomb County family events here.

Wayne County:

Spring Equinox Hike at Lake Erie Marshlands Museum

6-8 p.m. Friday, March 20

Families can take a guided outdoor walk to learn about the first day of spring and how the equinox has been celebrated through history. Kids can enjoy time on the nature trails with frequent stops along the way. Parents should know preregistration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program, and the path is dirt and gravel.

• Cost: $4 per child, $6 per adult, free for children younger than 2
  
• Age fit: Babies, toddlers, preschool, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens and teens
  
• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor

Eliza Howell Park in the Woods: Photography & The Environment at Eliza Howell Park

1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 21

Families can take a guided nature walk, snap photos and warm up by bonfires with hot chocolate and s’mores at this outdoor event. It is open to all ages and skill levels, so kids can explore the woods and early spring colors at their own pace. Parents should bring a camera and meet on the south side of the park by the woodland trail entrance.

• Address: 23751 Fenkell Ave., Detroit
  
• Cost: Donation; refunds available up to seven days before the event
  
• Age fit: Preschool, toddlers, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens and teens
  
• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor

See more Wayne County family events here.

Washtenaw County:

Mario Kart Live at Saline Recreation Center

5:30-6:45 p.m. Friday, March 20

Kids ages 5-12 can race through a real-life Mario-inspired course with scooters and obstacles in the gym. It is a fun active event with banana peels and turtle shells worked into the course, and registration is required.

• Cost: $16 for members, $20 for nonmembers
  
• Age fit: Early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5) and tweens

Easter Bunny Photos at MilkShake Factory

2-5 p.m. Sunday, March 22

Families can take free photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy kid-friendly activities at MilkShake Factory. Kids can also enter a coloring contest for a chance to win a free milkshake, while parents can shop a pop-up with hand-blown Easter eggs and Easter chocolates.

• Address: 326 S. Maple Road, Ann Arbor
  
• Cost: Free photos with the Easter Bunny; other food and retail items available for purchase
  
• Age fit: Babies, toddlers, preschool, early elementary (K-3), late elementary (4-5), tweens and teens

See more Washtenaw County family events here.

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Detroit school district revisits idea of making FAFSA completion a graduation requirement

Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

The Detroit school district is considering requiring students to apply for federal student aid for higher education in order to graduate.

Doing so would open the Detroit Public Schools Community District up for state grants to pay for initiatives that help students get into college or work-study programs.

The district’s proposal is intended to get more students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. However, there would be several exemptions for students who don’t fill out the form, including for those with privacy concerns.

“We want to ensure that it’s not putting a barrier for our students,” said board President LaTrice McClendon when the policy was introduced during a committee meeting last month.

The board has not yet voted on the proposed policy.

The FAFSA helps determine student eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study scholarships. In some cases, it’s used to decide whether students qualify for state and private aid, as well as Michigan universities’ tuition assistance programs.

In 2024, the Michigan legislature proposed making FAFSA completion mandatory for all districts. But, at the time, DPSCD board members said they were opposed to such a policy. Advocates and community members expressed concerns to lawmakers during hearings for the bills about forcing vulnerable student populations to provide personal information, including immigration status and gender identity. Some Michigan school administrators also said it would not be possible to achieve with a shortage of college counselors.

Others said they didn’t want the requirement to hinder DPSCD students from graduating. The district has made significant gains in its graduation rate in recent years.

The state effort also failed in part due to the rocky rollout of the new FAFSA process in 2024. If the legislation passed, Michigan would have been the 13th state to have the requirement.

The issue was revisited at December DPSCD board and committee meetings after members expressed interest in a state grant that offers millions of dollars to local districts each year if they make FAFSA completion a graduation requirement.

“This grant is over a million dollars,” said board member Ida Short during the December board meeting.

The grant dollars can be used by districts to pay for “activities that are known to drive FAFSA completion,” including financial incentives for students, guest speakers, and seminars. The money can pay the salaries of the staff and administrative costs needed to run the initiative.

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said during the December board meeting he agreed that not applying for the state grant left “a lot of money on the table.” The grant was not pursued since it began two years ago because of the previous board’s position, he added.

If the proposed policy is approved, the change would be implemented for the class of 2027 and DPSCD could apply for the next school year’s grant.

Under the district’s proposed policy, students who don’t want to fill out the FAFSA may complete a waiver with a parent or guardian. The waiver acknowledges that the student understands the purpose of FAFSA but does not want to participate.

The district must confirm a good-faith effort was made by schools to help students who don’t complete the FAFSA or turn in a waiver. In those cases, students can be exempt from doing either if their parent or legal guardian is unresponsive or refuses to sign.

More than 43% of Michigan high school seniors completed the FAFSA by March 9, according to the Michigan College Access Network tracker, slightly up from the 39.5% that had at the same time last year.

Hannah Dellinger covers Detroit schools for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at hdellinger@chalkbeat.org.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization covering public education.

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