"Carter Sessoms feared that if affirmative action was deemed illegal, the presence of minorities might decrease at campuses across the country. 'Affirmative action was to put in place some equitable strides within the workforce and education systems because of the socioeconomic disparities perpetuated by racial bias that existed in these institutions,' said Sessoms, a history major on a pre-law track at Howard University," Howard University News Service reports. 

... "A substantial number of Black students receive Pell grants, according to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). 'Students of color are more likely to be Pell Grant recipients, with nearly 60% of Black students and roughly half of American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic students receiving a grant each year, compared with just under one-third of white students,' NASFAA reported in a 2022 issue brief on the Pell Grant."

"'Additionally, roughly half of first-generation college students and student parents, and almost 40% of student veterans, are Pell Grant recipients.' Another option is to offer free tuition, such as some states and the District of Columbia. In addition, out-of-state public institutions can decide whether to give special scholarships to Pell Grant recipients."

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Articles included under the notable headlines section are not written by NASFAA, but rather by external sources. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

Publication Date: 7/10/2023