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Encourage states to use their budget surpluses or new scholarship programs to “fill the gap” for Pell students.
Win state-level aid that supplements Pell by covering remaining tuition and fees for Pell students through promise programs or other gap-filling scholarships. This can provide interim relief while federal negotiations continue and can demonstrate what broader affordability could look like. The goal is to reduce the immediate financial pressure that forces students to take on debt, work long hours, or stop out.
Why this works
Provides relief to students in the interim without waiting for Congress. Some states have enacted free two-year college plans that effectively double Pell for their residents by covering remaining costs.
Families USA is a leading national nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to achieving high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all Americans. Founded in 1981, Families USA amplifies the voices of health care consumers in policy debates:. It played a key role in shaping and defending the Affordable Care Act and continues to push for expanding coverage, lowering health costs, and addressing health equity.
Mechanism
How Families USA uses funding
- Identify states with budget flexibility or existing promise programs that can be expanded
- Draft simple policy designs for last-dollar aid or gap-filling scholarships tied to Pell eligibility
- Build coalitions of colleges, students, and workforce stakeholders to support state action
- Advocate in state budget and legislative processes for funding and clear program rules
- Coordinate outreach so students understand eligibility and how aid stacks with Pell
- Use state wins to build evidence and pressure for federal action
Partner notes
Partner notes coming soon.