Congressman Rick Nolan Urges Congress On Pell Grant Education Program

Congressman Rick Nolan called on the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations and the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) Subcommittee to eliminate threats to the Pell Grant program.

Federal Pell Grants are financial awards that are used to improve college access and affordability for low-income students. These grants don’t have to be repaid and are usually awarded to undergraduate students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.

Today’s Pell Grant covers less than 30 percent of college costs and universities, according to a letter written to Congress signed by Congressman Nolan and other members.

“The heart of our economic success as a nation is education and preparation of our youth,” said Nolan. “We must ensure that students from low-income families have fair and equal access to our higher education  institutions.”

More than 150,000 students in Minnesota benefit from Pell Grants and most of their families earn $40,ooo or less.