U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Sept. 14 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to create the Pell Plus Program.
Under the proposed Pell Plus Act of 2023, H.R. 5489, beginning with award year 2025–2026, for each award year for which a student receives a Federal Pell Grant and meets specific requirements, including being on pace to graduate on time, the U.S. Education Secretary would award the student an additional Federal Pell Grant, referred to as a Federal Pell Plus Grant.
The additional grant would be in an amount equal to the amount of the student’s Federal Pell Grant award, according to the text of the bill.
“Today, just 50 percent of Pell Grant recipients manage to successfully graduate and the vast majority of them only do so after six years of study,” Rep. Joyce said. “The Pell Plus Act would ensure more low-income Americans can successfully secure their college degree, opening doors to a lifetime of opportunity. In turn, these students can contribute back to their communities and achieve financial stability.”
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities endorsed the bill, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee.
The legislation has three original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA).
“Pell Grants are particularly important for middle-class families, but even with that vital support, students and their families often end up saddled with debt,” Rep. Kilmer said. “The Pell Plus program we’re proposing will help students complete their college degree on time, provide more financial aid, and lower their debt burden. That’s a win for students, a win for educational institutions, and a win for local employers who are hungry for workers.”