Federal funding

A current bill threatens the future of federal financial aid and student support programs.

As the Sept. 30 deadline looms for funding for the next federal fiscal year, the House of Representatives is considering an education funding bill that would enact devastating cuts to programs that keep college and graduate school more accessible and affordable.

Thousands of UC students could see their aid packages slashed if this bill is passed. We know that budgets are tight, but investments in students and education are essential to our future.

We can stop these cuts – but urgently need your help to succeed. Will you join us in calling on the House to oppose cuts to student aid and student support programs?

Here’s what’s at stake right now:

• Pending House legislation would eliminate funding for the Federal Work-Study program, impacting more than 650,000 students nationwide, including more than 9,600 UC students. This program provides part-time, on-campus jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money through work. These jobs are often aligned with students' areas of study or community service. UC and other partner institutions contribute up to 50% of student wages.

• More than 1.6 million very low-income students nationwide, and more than 19,000 UC students, would no longer receive Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. These grants provide additional grant aid to very low-income students with exceptional need in emergency situations.

• Colleges and universities, including UC, would no longer receive federal funding to help offset the cost of reliable and affordable on-campus child-care services. The House bill would eliminate funding for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program, making it more difficult for low-income students with children to pursue higher education.

• Low-income students who rely on Pell Grants would have a harder time paying for college. Pell Grants are the primary way the federal government helps low-income students afford college. At UC, more than 75,000 students—33% of all undergraduates—receive Pell Grants. The House bill would flat fund the program, a significant step backwards, despite recent progress to reinvest in this critical program.

More than ever, we need Congress to increase support for the programs that make it easier for students to access and afford higher education.

Join us in calling on the House to oppose cuts to federal financial aid and other student support programs. Now is the time to invest in our future!