This past year has challenged everyone in the (name of institution) community. The pandemic challenged the usual benefits of a small college education, and our students faced all different types of hardships. Small schools have been dealing with dropping enrollment and cutting various programs to make ends meet. The country, as a whole, has been forced to confront economic hardship brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. These financial challenges that the country is facing have turned college into a commodity that many people will struggle to access. Now with the reopening of the country and rebuilding our economy, policymakers need to work together to create meaningful change that can build the economy back quickly and allow students the opportunity to achieve an affordable educational experience.

To achieve sustained economic growth following the pandemic, lawmakers need to enact legislation that doubles the Pell Grant, which awards federal financial aid to college students. Established in 1972, Congress should double the Pell Grant by June of 2022, the 50th anniversary of the program. This much-needed legislation would aid many students at (name of institution), which includes XX% of students who are Pell recipients and help the country achieve effective and immediate economic recovery. The Pell Grant has enjoyed bipartisan support throughout its existence. By doubling the maximum grant from $6,495 to $13,000, Congress can make college possible for all students, no matter their financial background. Currently, there are more than 1.1 million students at private, nonprofit colleges and universities who receive Pell Grants each year (38% of students at private, nonprofit colleges are Pell Grant recipients, similar to the 40% at 4-year state institutions). This support provides nearly $5 billion to help them attend and complete college, including (Find out how much Pell Grant funding comes into your congressional district and state using NAICU’s Student Aid Data Sheets).  

Pell Grants are the fairest and most efficient way to provide education funding to those who need it most.  Pell Grants help students in all states and territories, in all corners of the country, whether rural, urban or in between. Students of all backgrounds receive Pell Grants, with nearly 60% of Black students; half of American Indian or American Native Students; nearly half of Latino students; and 30% of White students using Pell Grants to help pay for college.

This would allow low-income students to have their entire college paid for and not have to work during school to make ends meet. By doubling the Pell Grant, more students can attend colleges and universities and graduate from these institutions they might not otherwise be able to attend.

The Pell Grant is a proven government program that will open the doors of college and opportunity to more young people and tackle the student debt crisis head-on. Without reinventing the wheel, this legislation can provide fair and efficient aid to students in need, and as a cost-efficient solution will pay for itself in the long run. A study found that an increase in grant aid correlated to an increase in a student’s earnings post-graduation. This means that within a decade of doubling the program, the higher wages earned by college graduates will bring in enough taxes to pay for the grant increase (American Economic Journal: Applied Economics).

College and university leaders, along with students, from around the country are fighting for legislation that will enable students to obtain the education they deserve. Pell Grants have proven to be the most effective and equitable investment in college affordability, which is why we must Double Pell now.

This vital legislation can keep students in (name of institution)’s community or whichever college or university best fits their needs and aspirations, whether large, small, state, or private, 2-year or 4-year. This program can provide students with the opportunity to learn and create a brighter future for themselves and our country.