by Lauren Walizer and Wayne Taliaferro

On Friday, May 19, the U.S. House and Senate introduced the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, which would modernize the Pell Grant program for today’s students.

Pell is the largest source of federal financial support for postsecondary education for students who demonstrate the greatest need. In addition to economic constraints, Pell Grant recipients are often caring for dependents, returning to school to build their skills, and/or working while enrolled. These students are disproportionately people of color.