Astronomical tuition costs are putting higher education out of reach for the majority of Americans. It is time to bring back the Pell Grant program, expand “national service for tuition” programs, find ways to curb college tuition increases, and help recent graduates manage their student loan debt. (Emphasis added)
Phew. Glad Elwyn wants to bring that wonderful program back!
Whoa Nellie! Did the Pell Grant program really go anywhere? Did it really go away? I think I would have heard about this one, having been the former chair of an organization that fought for more money for Pell Grants.
According to wikipedia:
For 2006-07, the maximum Pell grant available to students remains $4,050. Students with less need will receive smaller amounts. Grant moneys can be used for tuition, fees, and educational expenses (such as textbooks or required materials for a class).
For the award year of 2007-2008 the maximum Pell Grant Award is $4,310. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) is $4,731. The maximum can change each award year and depends on program funding. The maximum grant is to increase to $5,400 by 2012.
From the Federal Student Aid website:
The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2007-08 award year (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) is $4,310. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) is $4,731. The maximum can change each award year and depends on program funding. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
It would appear to me, that while underfunded, the Pell Grant Program is still around!
How can someone endorsed by Education Minnesota post on his campaign website the urgency to "bring back the Pell Grant program'?
Seriously, talk about out of touch with the issues.
Bob Olson has actually helped people go to college. He understands the importance of these grants for individuals with great financial need. He understands that the FAFSA can be a rather complicated document and will work to make the process for applying for federal assistance easier.
How Elwyn Tinklenberg thinks Pell Grants are no longer in existence, that they need to be brought back, is beyond me!
1 comment:
I suppose Tinklenberg Group decided it cannot get any $3,000 - $4,000 per month consulting contracts to help complete Pell Grant applications. Without a T. Groupie on top of things that way, to help complete the forms and paperwork, reliance falls on El himself and mistakes can happen.
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