Kathy Manning: “50 years ago, Congress launched the Pell Grant Program to provide direct financial aid to low-income students to…”

“50 years ago, Congress launched the Pell Grant Program to provide direct financial aid to low-income students to increase access to higher education. This program has opened up the door of opportunity and made the dream of college a reality for millions of students across the country. In North Carolina's Sixth District, over 30,000 students are utilizing nearly $140 million in Pell grants to pursue their higher education goals at local colleges and universities. Nationwide, nearly 7 million students, or 40 percent of undergraduates, are Pell grant recipients. As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, I am proud to share my support for Pell grants and to have supported a $400 increase to the maximum annual award. By increasing the Pell grant award, we are ensuring that more students can attend college and join the skilled workforce in their desired career field. I look forward to Congress continuing the bipartisan support for expanding student access to college through Pell grants for another 50 years. ____________________”