Youth Voices: The Faces of Student Aid
When Congress began debating proposals to reduce federal funding for students planning to attend college this fall, financial aid administrators and students knew it would be vital for lawmakers to understand how cuts would affect the nation's most vulnerable populations. The Save Student Aid Campaign was launched on Facebook as a platform for people to voice their need and support for Pell grants and other financial aid. This document uses student aid packages to illustrate the negative impact of student aid cuts alongside success stories from the campaign's Facebook wall to illustrate the importance of financial aid, like these:
Katie from Irmo, SC: "I received the Pell grant as an undergraduate student. I was the first in my family to attend college, and my parents were of limited means. The Pell grant, along with my scholarships and student loans, made it possible for me to obtain my first degree. Now, I am a financial aid professional (for the past 12 years) and consider myself to be successful. I make a decent salary, pay my fair share of taxes to my state and federal government, donate to charitable causes, and volunteer my time when I'm able. I am able to be a contributing member of society and I realize how fortunate I've been, and I will always be grateful for the Pell grant and other financial aid I received to help me obtain my degree and put me on the path that got me where I am today!"
Teal from Concordia, CA: I am a second year student at Concordia University and without the Pell Grant, I would not be able to attend this school or any other school. My family's income is definitely not enough to cover my college education, as my parents are older individuals who need to work into their late sixties just to let us continue to survive. Please don't take away my opportunity for a better future!
Mayra from San Antonio, TX: Financial aid, through my attainment of higher education degrees which led to a well paying job, allowed me to become an economically independent person who is now paying her way through a terminal degree. My education is one of my greatest assets as it has been one of the things which shaped me into a person who is more civically involved and supportive of causes that advance our democracy. Don't take student aid away!
Want to read more stories? Click below to access the document and check out the Campaign's Facebook page for a constant flow of new stories.
