Getting a college degree is more important than ever, but students have to assume too much debt to pay for it.  Increasing federal Pell grant aid will help students rely less on federal loans to pay for college.

Both President Obama and the House proposed a massive $40 billion dollar increase in student Pell grants.  Now it is up to the Senate to invest in students.  

Big lenders have spent millions fighting this proposal, which cuts wasteful lender subsidies from the federal government, and uses the $87 billion in savings to make college more affordable.  To ensure that the Senate prioritizes students over banks, we need to Raise Some Pell!  

During the week of October 5 – 9, USSA, USPIRG and Campus Progress are asking young people to call, fax, and email their senators to demonstrate massive grassroots support for more Pell grant aid.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Script:

Hint:  If you have a personal story about paying for college, make sure to share it on the call!

Hello, 

My name is ______ (and I am a student at ______  / from ___(city, state)___). I am calling to tell you that we need strong action to make college more affordable. I think that the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (HR 3221) would take a great step in that direction by:

Raising Pell: Expanding the maximum Pell grant to $5,550 for the 2010-11 school year, and tying the maximum award to 1% over the Consumer Price Index (inflation) to prevent declines in the grant’s purchasing power.

Stopping Waste: Ending wasteful subsidies to student loan companies by switching to 100% direct loans, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will save taxpayers $87 billion over ten years.

Implementing Other Needed Reforms: Reforming and expanding the Perkins loan program, creating new Federal/State partnerships to improve college access and completion rates, and investing in community colleges and minority serving institutions.

Does the Senator support this bill?

If yes:

Thanks, I'm glad to hear it! I hope the Senator will do everything that (he/she) can to make sure that (her/his) colleagues also support this legislation.

Thank you for your time!

If no:

I hope that the Senator reconsiders. Right now there are billions of dollars being wasted on subsidies for student loan companies, while students themselves have a harder and harder time affording a college education. Please let the Senator know that young people across the country are hoping that Congress puts students over banks and passes this proposal. 

Thank you for your time!

If undecided or unsure:

I hope that the Senator will consider the voice of students when deciding how to vote. Right now there are billions of dollars being wasted on subsidies for student loan companies, while students themselves have a harder and harder time affording a college education. Please let the Senator know that young people across the country are hoping that Congress puts students over banks and passes this proposal. 

Thank you for your time!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Response Form:

Image Credits: http://flickr.com/smull / http://flickr.com/kristina06 / http://flickr.com/spacesuitcatalyst / http://flickr.com/chingchong / http://flickr.com/knittinging