Briar Cliff Holds Roundtable Discussion with Local Colleges on #DoublePell
September 8, 2021
Representatives from local colleges and legislative representatives were invited to Briar Cliff University to a roundtable discussion on the importance of doubling federal Pell Grants. Six local colleges joined together and voiced support in this initiative.
The Pell Grant is a proven program that has been the foundation of federal student aid for decades, opening the doors of college and opportunity to low- and moderate-income students. Nearly 90% of Pell Grant dollars go to students with a family income of below $50,000.
“As the President of Briar Cliff University here in Sioux City, Iowa, I have not only witnessed the impact grants can have on students, but I have also personally benefitted from these transformational dollars,” said Dr. Keck, Briar Cliff University President. “I was a Pell eligible student when I attended college here in Iowa, and these funds were vital for me and my family to afford my education. This education has been the critical foundation of my professional career and has fundamentally shaped my philosophy on how to make change while at the same time expanding the remarkable opportunities to which I had access.”
Doubling the maximum annual Pell Grant award to $13,000 will help more students earn a degree, get a good-paying job, and ensure them greater economic mobility and a brighter future. Nearly 7 million of our nation’s students rely on federal Pell Grants to help them access and attain a higher education.
“The Pell Grant was a huge impact on my life because it has given me the motivation to succeed in school. Because of the Pell Grant and Briar Cliff, I was given the opportunity to not only focus on school, but also get involved with football and Men of Color,” shares Jose Perez, junior at Briar Cliff University. “With the help of the Pell Grant, a lot of first-generation students like me have the opportunity to further their education.”
Pell Grant increase measures will be up for action in US Congress this September. #DoublePell initiatives by advocacy groups aim to see funding doubled by the 50th anniversary of the creation of the program in June 2022. To get involved, visit doublepell.org and take action.