Mary Eklund had little money and didn’t know she could use a government grant for summer education to complete her double major in photography and digital media. But changes in the federal Pell Grant programs now allows the grants to be used year\round.
“I haven’t been informed about anything” said Eklund
Many students nationwide may not have been informed that along with 12-month use of Pell Grants, The income eligibility requirements of eligible students has been expanded, meaning about 60 more Point Park University students will get funded. They will be informed as soon as the calculating software is upgraded.
This increase followed a previous one for last year which allowed students already receiving funding to continue getting aid in the summer if taking classes. Before 2009-2010 students could only get the grant in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Sandra Cronin, Director of Financial Aid at Point Park University, said the government’s consideration and decisions about funding for the Pell Grant are tied up with healthcare funding.
“I’m not sure why it was increased this time, but we just go with the flow” said Cronin. She added that the amount of funding given to students within the expanded income bracket will not a be huge sum, but students can use any help, and never turn down money.
Betty Davis, Senior Director of Student Financial Services, said the staff is going through the list of eligible students to see who is registered for summer, and so who will receive the Pell Grant for that term. Those students will be informed, however students who are not registered may not be informed of the available funds.
“If they are interested in Summer classes, come in… Every student is different, depending
where they are in this process” said Davis.
Students like Eklund who already receive funding from the Pell Grant should inquire at the Office of Financial Aid about summer funding, as should students who do not yet.
Students receive the grant automatically without application if eligible when they fill-out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The deadlines for turning in the FAFSA form varies depending on the student’s state. It is May 1 for Pennsylvania residents.
The Point Park University financial administrators encourage students to fill out their FAFSAs, even if it is past the deadline because the information can be used to get aid for the next term, and to come in with any questions or for more information.
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