Pell grants are often referred to as the cornerstone of federal financial aid, as they help make college education affordable for students from low and moderate-income families. However, the purchasing power of the Pell grant has been steadily decreasing since 1972 when it covered over 70 percent of a student’s college costs. Today, the maximum Pell award covers around 30 percent of a student’s postsecondary education expenses.

The federal response to the pandemic will directly impact the postsecondary world for the next several years. Postsecondary education is foundational to our country’s workforce pipeline, and community and technical colleges play a critical role in our current crisis. How are legislators thinking about the role of community and technical colleges in a time of crisis and adaptation, and how can you weigh in?

ACCT's public policy staff has been working tirelessly throughout the spring to advocate on behalf of community colleges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and as the 116th Congress draws to a close.

The economic challenges that students and their families face as a result of the pandemic will likely mean significant changes in postsecondary enrollment.