Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) helped include over $1.69 billion in the fiscal year 2021 Appropriations bill to expand education programs for low-income students and Hispanic student populations. These programs provide vital financial resources to Institutes of Higher Education and to low-income and disadvantaged students, which will help them complete their educational goals.

To see Congressman Cuellar speak in the Appropriations Committee about funding for underserviced and Hispanic students, click here.

“It is imperative that all students, regardless of zip code, have the option of going to college,” said Congressman Cuellar. “That’s why I have worked hard to further increase access to higher education, by expanding college financial aid and making federal programs more available for students. These funds will ensure that underserved student populations receive the educational opportunities they deserve. As a senior Member of the Appropriations Committee, I remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that open doors of opportunity for all students.”

“I would like to thank Appropriations Chairwoman Lowey as well as Subcommittee Chairwoman DeLauro for helping me secure these funds.”

Pell Grants

Congressman Cuellar helped increase the maximum award for Pell Grants to $6,495, a $150 increase from FY20. This funding will provide support to students with financial needs who have not earned their first bachelor's degree, or who are enrolled in certain post-baccalaureate programs, through participating institutions. He also ensured funding for year-round, or "Summer," Pell Grants, which will provide approximately one million students nationwide with an additional funds for higher education.

Throughout his time in public service, Congressman Cuellar has worked to ensure that higher education is accessible for all regardless of socioeconomic status, throughout his time in public service. As a State Representative in Texas, Congressman Cuellar established the Towards Excellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant program that provides assistance to students with financial need who are seeking a first Bachelor's degree, a graduate degree or professional degree. It is now the largest grant program in Texas that has been able to assist over thousands of students in continuing to higher education. For more information on TEXAS Grant, click here or call  1-888-311-8881.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

Congressman Cuellar helped secure $370 million for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a $5 million increase from FY20. GEAR UP Programs are designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP provides six-year grants that provide funding for services at high-poverty middle and high schools. They also provide college scholarships to low-income students and fund support services for students including tutoring, mentoring, offering dual enrollment classes and college tours.

Federal TRIO Programs

Congressman Cuellar also helped secure $1.1 billion for the Federal TRIO Programs, federal outreach and student services programs designed to help individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds progress through their academic careers from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. These programs primarily serve low-income, first-generation college students, as well as students with disabilities, veterans, homeless youth, foster youth, and individuals underrepresented in graduate education.

At TAMIU, the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program helps increase college retention and graduation rates of its participants. TRIO SSS supports its students by offering academic tutoring, personal and academic counseling, and leadership conferences. Because of on-going support for program participants, TRIO SSS students continuously outperform non-program participants with increased retention, higher grades, and higher graduation rates.

College Assistance Migrant Program and the Highschool Equivalency Program

Congressman Cuellar helped secured $46,623,000 for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and the High School Equivalency Program (HEP), a $1 million increase from FY20. CAMP assists migratory or seasonal workers enroll in their first year of undergraduate studies at institutions of higher education while HEP assists migratory or seasonal workers obtain high school equivalent education services. Both these programs ensure quality education for students who may not otherwise have means to access higher education.

Securing Millions for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

Congressman Cuellar’s additional wins include millions for HSIs. This includes $155,081,000 for the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, a $20 million increase from FY20. This program provides grants to HSIs to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the educational attainment of, Hispanic students. This bill also includes $13,599,000 to help promote post baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans.