Community colleges are leading advocates to repeal the ban on Pell Grants for incarcerated students, which has been in place since 1994.

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.

While postsecondary credentials will increase in importance, enrollment may be harder to predict. Conventional wisdom suggests many more adults will return to school while academic disruptions this spring may make traditional student enrollments more unpredictable. Most higher education leaders are unsure whether or not institutions will be fully re-opening in September. The panel discusses approaches and options for the fall.

This paper calls on community college presidents and trustees implement strategies to accelerate academic transitions, extend navigational supports, and serve as career bridges from high school to the workforce.