News

uAspire joined 250 other college access professionals and students at the National College Attainment Network’s Summit in DC in April to bring our student-centered perspective to policymakers. NCAN members hit the Hill to speak to Congressional staff about:

• Increasing the Pell Grant. The $7,395 maximum award would be $8,100 with inflation. Congress should prevent a shortfall in Pell funding and increase the grant amount. 

• Maintain funding for the FAFSA team and the FSA call center to ensure the application continues to work well for students and they can access support as needed. 

• Improve college cost transparency. Congress should standardize how financial aid is communicated so students and families can make informed decisions
  
  

uAspire collaborated with On Point, SEO, #DegreesNYC / Goddard Riverside Options Center, and the Opportunity Network to share our perspectives from advising over 2,000 New York college students in meetings with the staff of Representative Adriano Espaillat, Representative Jerry Nadler, and Senator Chuck Schumer. We shared the importance of the Pell Grant to the 5,000 Massachusetts students we advise with the offices of Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. In total, NCAN members held over 100 meetings with Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle and across the country.



VP of Policy Anika Van Eaton and New York Policy Fellow alum and CUNY John Jay senior Naomie Lamour also spoke on a panel about college cost and value transparency. Moderated by Carolina Rodriguez of the Community Service Society of New York and joined by Sean Tierney from Arnold Ventures, the panel held a thoughtful discussion on how institutions can better communicate the costs and benefits of postsecondary education. Our recent review of 211 financial aid offers found 11 different price calculations, and students need a clear picture of the bottom-line bill to make an informed decision.



uAspire remains committed to fully funding the Pell Grant, advancing transparency, and expanding financial aid resources for students. We will continue to advocate so that college opportunities remain within reach for all students.