Pell Grants play a crucial role each year in helping millions of low-income students pursue and achieve their postsecondary ambitions.
That’s why the National College Access Network (NCAN) has re-launched its annual campaign to help tell the stories behind those numbers.
The sixth annual #Thankful4Pell advocacy campaign will take place Nov. 18-22, and the goal is to show appreciation to Congress for the Pell Grant program. Research shows that need-based aid, including Pell Grants, increases enrollment and decreases drop-out rates for low-income students. Additionally, more than 60% of African-American and 50% of Hispanic undergraduates rely on Pell to attend school.
This year’s campaign will be social media-based. NCAN members and partners organizations can share why they appreciate Pell Grants using the #Thankful4Pell hashtag throughout the week. On Nov. 18, NCAN will publish an advocacy action center that will make it easy for visitors to tweet at their congressional representatives and express support for the Pell Program.
NCAN will also host a #Thankful4Pell Twitter chat on Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. to help educate policymakers and others about the importance of Pell.
In 2018-19, some 6.8 million students benefited from receiving a Pell Grant. Congress is currently debating funding levels for education programs. If Congress doesn’t act, the maximum Pell Grant award — $6,195 for the 2019-20 award year — will not rise for the next academic year.
For more information, contact NCAN Communications Manager Kelly Mae Ross.
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