The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) strongly believes that doubling the Federal Pell Grant is one of the surest ways to support a strong and equitable national economic recovery. Thus, it is with great hope that AJCU endorses the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2021.
This legislation, introduced today by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Bobby Scott (D-VA), would double the Federal Pell Grant over five years. It would also make Dreamers eligible to participate and move funding to the mandatory side, guaranteeing stability for participants.
We will work with our colleagues in higher education to advance this bill, while continuing to urge Congress to double down and prioritize doubling the Pell Grant this year, through the appropriations and reconciliation process. The Pell Grant is an effective, efficient, proven program that offers extraordinary opportunities for students, of all ages, to return or enroll in post-secondary study. We know that doubling the Pell Grant will support student needs beyond tuition, reduce reliance on loans, and improve student outcomes.
As we continue to recover from the pandemic, doubling the Pell Grant is the best way to provide support to students with need and ensure opportunity, equity, access, and success.