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Greetings,
Last month I was saddened to learn of the loss of Senator Claiborne Pell—a senator who left a lasting legacy in the world of higher education. As the principal sponsor of the federal Basic Educational Opportunity Grant, Senator Pell was passionate about his belief that all students have the opportunity to achieve their dream of higher education.
The Basic Educational Opportunity Grant was a student aid program that helped low-income students go to college. Senator Pell made the grant available because he believed that everyone should have the same opportunity for higher education. In 1980, the grant was renamed the Pell Grant in honor of the senator.
Since the grant's inception, well over 100 million students have received a federal Pell Grant, including myself. If it weren't for the Pell Grant, I wouldn't have had the chance to go to college. The same is true for the students I speak with every day. Unfortunately, most of them aren't even aware of Senator Pell. My hope is that they learn that Senator Pell was a powerful voice for under-privileged students.
Thirty years later, people everywhere are continuing Senator Pell's work. As college access counselors, we help students of all backgrounds see that college will help them change their lives for the better. By providing them with resources and opportunities we are giving them the power to achieve their dreams and build a better and brighter future.
Thank you, Senator Pell, for helping open the doors to higher education for so many students.
Until next time,
La Toya Sykes, Director
Outreach and Access Awareness
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