Student advocates engage community to support federal student aid programs

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Federal student aid programs like the Pell Grant help make a Penn State education possible for almost 20,000 students each year. To support federal student aid recipients at Penn State, Lion Caucus and Advocate Penn State hosted their annual Fall Advocacy Festival on Oct. 7 to bring together students and members of the University community to show support for these crucial funding programs.

Penn Staters are encouraged to participate in the University’s advocacy campaign by sending emails to Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators and representatives in support of vital funding for Penn State students.

“Federal student aid programs open doors to students from all backgrounds and give them the opportunity to pursue a world-class education, graduate with less debt, and, ultimately, contribute to the commonwealth’s future,” said Mike Stefan, vice president for Government and Community Relations. “I am proud our students are taking the time to advocate on behalf of their peers and encourage all Penn Staters to follow their lead.”

The annual Fall Advocacy Festival included various giveaways, along with speeches from student leaders and Susan Robinson, president of the Penn State Alumni Association.

“Advocacy is so important because it emphasizes the idea of leaving your community in a better spot than you found it,” said Jude York, president of Lion Caucus, Penn State’s official student advocacy organization connected to the Office of Government and Community Relations. “Events like the Fall Advocacy Festival that stress the importance of federal funding for higher education center on that very idea of giving back and creating a community here at Penn State that is accessible to everyone.”

In addition to Federal Pell Grants, Penn State supports continued investment in the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Work-Study programs. While 75% of funds for these programs are from the federal government, 25% are provided by the University.

Advocates can show their support by completing a brief form that will automatically connect them with their U.S. senators and U.S. representative to send a pre-written email asking them to support funding for these important aid programs.

“As your constituent and a supporter of higher education, I strongly urge your support in FY 2027 for the Pell Grant, along with Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Work Study, vital campus-based aid programs. These programs are essential to maintaining and strengthening our nation’s skilled workforce as we build our innovative capacity and enhance our overall global competitiveness,” reads the advocacy email message.

Lion Caucus is asking Congress to support funding the highest possible maximum Pell Grant award, as well as oppose all proposed cuts to the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Federal Work-Study.

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need. For 2026-27, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395.

“Federal student aid creates opportunity for tens of thousands of Penn State students every year by helping to make their dreams a reality,” said Daniel Barkowitz, assistant vice president of enrollment management and executive director of financial aid. “Financial aid helps open the door to brighter futures for our students, their families and communities. Ongoing support from Congress and the administration is critical to ensure that the educational pathways to better tomorrows remain open and accessible to all, regardless of their economic background.”

The University’s partnership with the federal government via the Pell Grant expands access to a high-quality education to students statewide. With approximately 25% of Penn State undergraduates receiving a Pell Grant, Penn State has one of the highest enrollments of Pell Grant recipients in the country.

“Advocacy gives us a seat at the table and Lion Caucus stands to advocate on behalf of those who need a voice,” said Danny Hoffman Lion Caucus THON chair, in a speech during the Fall Advocacy Festival. “Because somewhere right now, there’s a student wondering whether college is possible. There’s a family sitting around a kitchen table desperately trying to make the numbers work for their student. And there’s a student who has done every single thing right, who has earned their place here, and yet still doesn’t know whether or not finances will allow them to stay.”

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant provides additional aid to Pell Grant recipients, serving as a core component of financial aid packages for 2,500 Penn State students with the greatest financial need. Increased funding would enable more undergraduate students who qualify for the FSEOG to receive this vital funding and lower their debt upon graduation.

Additionally, more than 1,400 students at Penn State benefit from the funds they earn through Federal Work-Study wages. The Federal Work-Study program is a critical partnership between the federal government, institutions and students, providing funds for part-time employment.

Recipients not only benefit financially from the Federal Work-Study program, but they learn professional skills and expectations, while contributing to a variety of jobs and community service roles.

All members of the Penn State community can use the action page linked here to urge Congress to support these important programs.

Learn more about federal student aid from Penn State's Office of Student Aid.