Yesterday, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona gave a public address to discuss the administration’s top priorities to improve education systems and
address student needs this year, including increasing access to and funding for Pell Grants.
Secretary Cardona discussed the key steps the government and the education community must take now to rebuild from the pandemic and to support students, educators, and communities. The secretary’s speech covered present needs and what must be
done to advance more equitable outcomes than our K-12 and postsecondary systems produced before the pandemic.
“It's our moment … to address the inequities that have existed in our school systems for far too long,” Secretary Cardona said in his remarks. “To finally make education the great equalizer
… the force that can help every student thrive, no matter their background, zip code, circumstance, or language they speak at home.”
You can watch the video of Secretary Cardona’s remarks in full here.
The secretary outlined the administration’s priorities for improving the education continuum in four areas:
Pandemic response and recovery.
Gaps in opportunity and achievement.
An inclusive and affordable postsecondary system.
Pathways to successful careers.
NCAN is incredibly encouraged to hear the administration double down on its commitment to the professionals that support student success and to the dire investments needed for financial aid.
Secretary Cardona spoke to President Biden’s urgent goal to double the number of school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals in our nation’s schools. The goal is that every high school will have at least one counselor to advise
students on their options after graduation.
Further, the secretary expressed the commitment to strengthening federal financial aid so that more doors are opened to postsecondary education. He told a story of how the Pell Grant program helped a returning student realize their dream of becoming a
nurse practitioner, and how our systems can better meet the needs of today’s learners.
NCAN is hopeful that policymakers will prioritize investments in Pell in upcoming federal funding opportunities.
While what will happen next at the federal level is a bit opaque at the moment, NCAN is following the discussions closely and will continue to update our members with
developments. We are here to support you and your students in our shared efforts to advocate for more equitable, affordable access to higher education. This work carries great urgency.
Soon, NCAN will announce our premier annual engagement, Virtual Advocacy Week, among other opportunities for our members to connect on the issues. Please stay tuned!
Also, you can always use NCAN’s Action Center to contact your representatives in Congress. We’ve created an email template you can use to easily voice your support for robust investment in the Pell
Grant program to lawmakers.
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