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Help stop cuts to the federal PELL program
Dear Members and Friends of the CUNY Community:
Earlier this year, the federal PELL Grant Program, which provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students, was targeted for significant reductions. With your help in contacting federal legislators, the proposed cuts to PELL awards and other financial aid programs were averted. Your participation in this important outreach effort is deeply appreciated.
However, Congress is once again considering reduction proposals in an effort to cut the budget deficit. The House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that would reduce eligibility for PELL Grants and reduce the current maximum award of $5,550 by as much as $2,510, dropping it to $3,040.
These cuts would have a devastating impact on CUNY students and their families. More than half of CUNY's undergraduate student body receives PELL Grants. National investment in the PELL Grant program is essential to enabling deserving students to finance their college education and, ultimately, contribute to our workforce and communities.
The president has set a deadline of July 22 for the House and Senate to reach a budget agreement. I urge you to take action now by contacting your congressional representatives as negotiations are taking place in Washington, D.C. Please visit supportcuny.org or click on one of the letters below to advocate for maintaining the current maximum PELL award amount.
Thank you again for your participation and our ongoing partnership.
Sincerely,
Jay Hershenson
Senior Vice Chancellor for University Relations
and Secretary, Board of Trustees
Student Letter to Support Pell Grant Program
Variation Letter to Support Pell Grant Program
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