A recent change in financial aid has enabled more college students to enroll in summer school according to Account Receivables Specialist Margo White. The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 passed by the Obama administration has made higher education more affordable. “Over 40 billion dollars has been invested to eligible students across America”, said White. Shaw University students are reacting to this change in a positive way. Junior Criminal Justice Major Maleik Wilburn said, “I think that receiving a Pell grant comes in handy it gives a chance for those who can’t afford summer school to attend and I very fortunate to have received one.”
According to Senior Data Analyst Brian Cumberbatch, out of 772 students enrolled in summer school 71 percent of students have been awarded in Pell Grants. Last year 200 students were enrolled in summer school, which only consisted of online classes. “This dramatic increase of students enrolled at Shaw University is evident that the Pell grants are serving in a positive way”, said Cumberbatch.
Sophomore Political Science Major James Parker said, “I’m happy that I was awarded a Pell Grant, however I wish there were more classes offered in my major”. Not only are students pleased to have Pell grants being offered but financial aid employees are satisfied as well. “For some students having a Pell grant is being able to attend college or not.” Director of Financial Aid Rochelle King said. “If students take advantage of this opportunity it can allow them to graduate on time if not sooner.”