On the recordMarch 9, 2017
The Pell Grant Program is the backbone of all Federal student aid. These grants provide access and opportunity to thousands of students across the country. When I speak with North Country students and teachers in my district, I hear about the positive impacts of Pell grants. In my district, an average of 52 percent of students attending SUNY institutions are offered Pell grants. Today's learners are different than previous generations, and their advancement toward completion is stifled by a Federal aid system built upon traditional spring and fall semesters. To support our students, I have introduced the Flexible Pell Grants for 21st Century Students Act, important legislation to expand access to Pell grants year-round. This change will allow students to accelerate toward completion and achieve their goals with less debt. We must do more to bring flexibility to higher education, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important bill. ____________________
