Why I’m Speaking Out to Protect Pell And You Should Too Because Investing in Students Is Investing in Our Futures

Blog post descriptionThis blog highlights the urgent threat posed by proposed federal cuts to Pell Grants and workforce funding, showing how these changes would harm community college students, limit economic mobility, and weaken America’s skilled workforce. Learn why protecting Pell is essential for student success, local economies, and our nation’s future — and why leaders across education, business, and government must speak out now..

Janet N. Spriggs. Ed.D.

6/3/20252 min read

Every day at Forsyth Technical Community College, I meet students whose determination humbles me.

A mother balancing two part-time jobs and night classes so she can move her family forward.

A first-generation student working full time while stacking credits to complete a credential in healthcare.

A mid-career worker returning to school to reskill for a fast-changing job market.

These students — and millions like them nationwide — rely on Pell Grants to make college possible. That’s why the latest proposed cuts outlined in the House’s recent budget reconciliation bill and the proposed Federal Skinny Budget are so deeply alarming.

What’s at stake?

  • Raising the definition of full-time enrollment from 12 to 15 credits, reducing Pell aid for students taking fewer courses.

  • Eliminating Pell eligibility for students taking fewer than eight credits.

  • Reducing funding for critical workforce training and student programs.

These proposals are not abstract policy shifts — they are real barriers that will block students from advancing their education, growing their skills, and stepping into family-sustaining careers.

Consider the CNAs studying to become practical nurses at our Forsyth Tech Stokes County Center, working part-time to support their families while advancing in healthcare.

Think about the plumbers earning their licenses to open their own businesses and create jobs in our community.

Consider the firefighters working toward advanced certifications to take on leadership roles in public safety.

Pell grants, by design, help these students — hardworking people changing their lives and careers, one class, one credential, one achievement at a time.

This issue is not just an education issue — it’s a workforce and community issue.

When we invest in community college students, we invest in the skilled workforce our country needs, stronger local economies, and healthier, more resilient communities. When we cut off access, we erode our talent pipeline and limit our collective potential.

We must raise our voices — now.

I stand with higher education and community college leaders nationwide in calling the Senate to reject these harmful cuts and protect access to Pell and other programs.

Pell grants help people realize their fullest potential. The bottom line of this issue is whether, as a nation, we believe in opening doors -- we should be doing everything we can to open doors, not slam them shut.

Together, we can ensure that every student — from the CNA in Stokes County to the aspiring plumber to the firefighter earning advanced certifications — has a real chance to thrive.

I urge leaders across sectors — education, business, and government — to stand together and defend the vital programs that fuel economic mobility.

Let’s protect opportunity. Let’s protect our students.

#ProtectPell #StudentSuccess #EconomicMobility #CommunityColleges #WorkforceDevelopment #ForsythTech