The athletes whose hard work and dedication are the raw material for the enterprise beloved by millions of Americans should be fairly represented in the process as the workers they are.
Postsecondary education is essential to secure good jobs. However, people with low incomes, particularly people of color, struggle simply to access postsecondary programs. Many have unmet financial need, as well as work and family obligations, that makes attendance challenging. Additionally, people with low incomes often have limited education opportunities and consequently low basic skill levels, including in math and English. This leaves them unprepared for postsecondary opportunities and traps them in low-wage work. CLASP advocates for federal, state, and local policies that help adults improve their basic skills, access and complete postsecondary education, and succeed in a competitive labor market.
The Pell grant program is a powerful tool to help low-income people access postsecondary education that leads to good jobs. This year, the program will help an estimated 7.1 million students attend school, reduce unmet financial need, and complete their degrees.
