Pell Grant History
As early as 1643, Americans have recognized the importance of higher education. Private donors and federal land-grants helped to subsidize the college aspirations of many who would have otherwise thought of higher education as merely of dream. In the years that followed, government would play an even bigger role in helping students by providing low-interest student loans and funding for American soldiers, such as, the GI Bill. The history of federal funding for higher education was further broadened by basic grant programs that would later morph into what we know today as the Federal Pell Grant.
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What is a Pell Grant?
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According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Pell Grant program is for individual students who are attending undergraduate and vocational institutions as well as, some post-baccalaureate school programs. The grant program is based on financial need and net income, which is considered the EFC or "student's expected family contribution." The amount of the Pell Grant that is received is also dependent on the student's status as a full or part-time pupil.
Senator Pell
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Claiborne DeBorda Pell is the original fabricator of the Federal Pell Grant. Claiborne Pell served as the democratic senator for Rhode Island for five terms. Senator Pell was a firm believer that financial limitations should not interfere with a student's ability to attain higher education. The University of Rhode Island explains that along with his efforts to make college more affordable for the less fortunate, Senator Pell also authored the National Sea Grant program in 1966 for students interested in pursuing a degree in the marine sciences.
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The Early Pell Grant
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The Federal Pell Grant Program was originally designed to meet the needs of low-income and underprivileged families. According to College Scholarships website, the original Federal Pell Grant was created in 1972 and named the Basic Educational Opportunity Act.
The Pell Grant Renamed
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After its creation in 1972, the Basic Educational Opportunity Act remained the same in name and concept until 1980. The Pell Institute explains that it was the desire of the U.S. Congress to pay homage to the U.S. Senator that made higher education possible for so many, that would have never had the opportunity otherwise. In honor of Senator Claiborne Pell, the Basic Educational Opportunity Act of 1972 was renamed the Federal Pell Grant program.
The Pell Grant Application
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Applying for a Federal Pell Grant is and always has been free. The U.S. Department of Education has even made applying for the grant much easier than the application methods of years gone by. Now, anyone with Internet access can apply for a Federal Pell Grant online with complete discretion, on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) website. Yearly award limits for the Federal Pell Grant program range between $976 and $5,350.
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