Pell Grants

Republican Senator Richard Burr would rather sell out low income students than say no to his special interest friends in Washington.

Burr is a primary sponsor of a measure that reduces by several billion dollars the money that low-income students receive in federal Pell grants. The neediest of students would lose about an average of $300 in increased scholarship aid under Burr’s proposal.

That’s remarkable considering that 147,095 North Carolina students received Pell Grants totaling more than $365.8 million during the 2005-2006 school year. (US Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov/finaid/prof/resources/data/pell-2005-06/table-22-2005-06.xls)

What would make Burr sell out his own constituents?

From it’s inception in 1902, Community Colleges, (originally Junior Colleges) have offered low cost alternatives to the Ivy Leagues. Into the bargain add that they are closer to home and allow students of all ages to come together for one of two reasons; either a step to higher learning, or technical training.

With Bush’s history of fast-tracking jobs overseas, American’s must re-invent themselves or face the consequences of nonviable skills in an ever changing job market. A two-year degree can be earned in a technical field while staying and possibly working within the community. While Congress has voted to reduce funding for Pell Grants, Community Colleges continue to be a real choice for the middle and lower classes.