Congress and President Obama recently approved the federal deficit reduction package. The only program to receive additional funds was the Pell Grant program, but this is likely to be a temporary reprieve. The costs of federal student aid have grown so fast that there are insufficient funds to maintain the current maximum award after this academic year.
The Pell program is still in danger of being cut, as is the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG). During the last academic year, 1,044 Canisius students received Pell awards valued at $4,263,074, while 503 students received a total of $536,819 through the SEOG program. Canisius College gave $47 million in direct assistance to its students, as well.
What can you do? You and your family can contact your representatives in the House and Senate to let them know how vitally important federal student aid is to you.
Go to www.house.gov or www.senate.gov, and locate the “Find Your Representative” section at the top of the page. Send your representative an Email or call them directly.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at gaume@canisius.edu, or by phone at 716-888-2300. Thanks for your help.
Submitted by: Curt Gaume, director, financial aid
