Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) spoke on the House floor on her legislation, the Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act. Click above for video of her remarks.
What They’re Saying:
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher: “The Pell Grant program is the foundation of federal student aid, providing access to millions of students who might otherwise be unable to attend college. This important bill would increase flexibility in the use of Pell grants, helping thousands of SUNY students complete their degrees on time and at less cost.”
Carole A. McCoy, President, Jefferson Community College: “The Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act will positively impact low income students’ ability to complete their degree on-time by allowing students to continue their studies year-round. Adult students who often desire to complete their degree and enter the workplace as quickly as possible will also greatly benefit from the ability to access Pell to take classes during the summer months. Additionally, an increase in the annual Pell maximum helps to make higher education more affordable for the neediest students and reduces the need for students to take on debt to achieve their educational goals.”
Todd Moravec, Director of Student Financial Services, SUNY College at Plattsburgh: “Approximately one in three undergraduates at SUNY Plattsburgh has a Pell grant; this equates to roughly 2,000 students. By introducing the Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is providing these high-need students with a means to graduate faster and accumulate less student debt along the way. Students who elect to use this program would graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh with less loan debt, and have more resources to invest into our economy. Given that each year more than 7.0 million students across the country have Pell Grants, this could have a very positive impact on the future growth of our economy. ”
Kristine Duffy, President, SUNY Adirondack: "I support the Flexible Pell Grant for the 21st Century Students Act introduced by Congresswoman Stefanik. The growing concerns expressed by many about rising costs is exasperated by extending time in college. Allowing our students to utilize PELL to continuously enroll through a summer session will support the Completion Agenda in a very tangible way and recognizes the need to support our under resourced students to achieve their goals. At SUNY Adirondack nearly 50% of our students receive a PELL grant and this legislation would remove one significant barrier to completion."
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