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
AdvocacyVoice for health care consumers
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow 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
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Select target states and policy design
Near-termPriority states and a clear program model are identified
- 2
Secure sponsors and budget champions
Near-termLegislators and budget leaders signal support for gap-filling aid
- 3
Win inclusion in state budgets or bills
Mid-termFunding and rules are adopted in a state budget or enacted bill
- 4
Launch the program and outreach
Mid-termEligible students can apply and receive aid with clear guidance
- 5
Evaluate and replicate the model
Longer-termAdditional states adopt similar supplements based on early results