June 25, 2021

Biden Seeks Extra $400 A Year In Pell Grants For College And To Expand Aid To Dreamers (CNBC) –
Starting July 1st, students whose families demonstrate significant financial need can receive up to $6,495 in grants for the upcoming award year, according to the Department of Education. President Biden proposed to Congress to extend these grants to undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers. This proposal could be seen as a monumental step towards increasing access to higher education for Dreamers, who often present significant financial need. 
Unlike student loans, pell grants do not need to be repaid, thus promoting the shrinking of racial gaps in the education system and lowering financial barriers for low- and middle-income students. As stated by Shalanda Young, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, if the proposal is to be adopted by Congress, Biden’s budget would yield the most sizable annual increase to the federal grants since 2009.