Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, pushed today to make college more affordable for students in Northwest Washington and across the country. Larsen is an original cosponsor of the Middle Class CHANCE Act, a bill introduced today that strengthens the Pell Grant program, which provides tuition assistance to students based on need. The Act increases the maximum Pell Grant award, restores year-round Pell Grants, and allows Pell recipients to access the grants for 15 semesters instead of the current 12.

“We need to be telling our students that America will invest in them. I have long supported Pell Grants as an essential way to help students finance their educations. These grants are helping nearly 13,000 students in my district this school year.

“Expanding higher education opportunities helps build a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth and opportunity in Northwest Washington. The Middle Class CHANCE Act affirms our commitment to making higher education more accessible to the next generation of teachers, engineers, business leaders, and scientists,” Larsen said.

The Act would:

• Increase the individual maximum Pell Grant award by $4,040, making the new maximum award to $8,900; 
• Restore year-round Pell Grants, allowing students to receive additional Pell dollars for courses taken during the summer or intersession; and
• Allow Pell Grant recipients to use the awards for 15 semesters instead of the current 12.

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