Senators Stabenow, Young Introduce Bipartisan Early Pell Promise Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Todd Young (R-IN) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help make sure that students who work hard to get into college can enroll regardless of their financial circumstances. Under current law, students only find out how much financial aid they will receive right before attending college. The Early Pell Promise Act provides more financial certainty for families by pre-qualifying certain students for full Pell Grant support starting as early as the eighth grade. It also ensures that families and students who pre-qualify for aid receive additional information about the cost of college attendance and student financial aid.

“Too many young people in Michigan aren't aware of the resources available to help them find the right college, let alone how to make it a reality,” Senator Stabenow said. “Every child in America, no matter their financial situation, should know that if they work hard, study hard, and get good grades, the opportunity to attend college will be available after high school.”

“Many Hoosier families would benefit from knowing how much financial aid they can count on receiving long before their child’s first day of college. The Early Pell Promise Act works to ensure young Hoosiers are set up for success in our higher education system through pre-qualification for Pell grants as early as the eighth grade. This will help more students to afford higher education and plan for a prosperous future,” said Senator Young.

This legislation is inspired by the Kalamazoo Promise, created in 2005, which provides hope and inspiration to students who have attended Kalamazoo Public Schools by paying for their college tuition at any of Michigan's state colleges or universities. According to a recent study, the Kalamazoo Promise increased student post-secondary enrollment and has spurred many other states and localities to start their own promise programs.

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