Tell Congress to fund summer learning for college students

In 2020, Congress is expected to prioritize re-authorization of the Higher Education Act, with key elements support summer study for college-aged youth.

Research shows that Year-Round Pell grants help students stay on track, boost their degree attainment, and increase their earnings (all of which contribute to a stronger economy).

The federal TRIO program includes grant funds to higher education institutions for Student Support Services, designed to increase the college retention and graduation rates among disadvantaged students.

• The Trump Administration has proposed consolidating TRIO and GEAR UP programs into a single state formula grant, and completely eliminating the Student Support Services program.
• A number of bills would restore the Year-Round Pell program, allowing eligible students to receive a second Pell award during the same year to fund summer study. The President's budget proposal expands the use of Pell funds to include short-term and apprenticeship programs but does not change the maximum award amount, and eliminates the current Pell surplus.
• In December 2019, Congress and the President finalized the FY2020 budget deal, which included:
  • $1.090 billion for Federal TRIO programs, an increase of $30 million an increase of $100 million above the 2019 enacted level.
  • $365 million for GEAR UP, an increase of $5 million above the 2019 enacted level.
  • $6,345 for the maximum Pell Grant, maintaining the 2019 enacted level.

You can make a difference: call on Congress to support funding that provides summer learning opportunities for college and college-bound students.