Hoyer Hosts First Generation College Bound Roundtable

Discussion Focuses on the Importance of Supporting Pell Program to Help More Students Make it in America

LAUREL, MD – This afternoon, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) hosted a roundtable discussion with the First Generation College Bound program on the importance of the Pell program and how Federal student aid has benefitted first generation college students who participate in the program.

"I was pleased to join the First Generation College Bound program today to hear first-hand from students how student aid has made a difference in their lives, and discuss the importance of supporting the Pell program," stated Congressman Hoyer. "With students and families struggling under rising tuition costs, Pell grants help make college and job training possible for millions of Americans. I am committed to making these critical investments so we can build a competitive workforce and ensure more students can make it in America."

During the 112th Congress, Republicans voted to reduce the maximum Pell award $845 per student, despite the fact that more and more students have returned to school during the economic downturn and college costs continue to rise. Fortunately, they failed in this effort.  Democrats, on the other hand, made record investments in higher education during the Democratic-led Congress, between 2007 and 2010, and remain committed to making college more affordable and accessible for every student who wants to attend.

First Generation College Bound, Inc. (FGCB) is a unique grassroots non-profit organization which aims to increase the number of students who attend college by developing an educational community support system and bridging the resources of the home, church, school, and community. Its mission is to encourage students whose parents do not have a bachelor's degree and/or students from a low to moderate income family to attend college.