College was created to educate wealthy, white men. While postsecondary education has become more accessible over time, our system still puts significant barriers between our students -- students of color, first-generation college students, and low-income students -- and the degrees that they are working so hard to earn. In response, College AIM advocates for structural changes that will make the paths to and through college more equitable, changes that will allow our students and so many others the real opportunities that they deserve.
Current Priorities
#DoublePell
The Pell Grant once covered nearly 80% of the cost of college, but today covers less than 30% at the average four-year institution. Doubling the Pell Grant immediately would provide critical dollars for the students who need them most and would remove many of the barriers that make college degrees less attainable for low-income students. College AIM staff and students work as fellows with the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) to educate lawmakers about the importance of doubling the Pell Grant and other federal college affordability measures.
Need-Based Aid in Georgia
Only 36% of four-year colleges in Georgia are affordable, even after scholarships, grants, student work, family contributions and federal loans. This is largely because Georgia is one of only two states in the country that does not provide need-based, state financial aid. In 2018, the Georgia legislature created the framework for need-based aid, and now it’s time to put dollars behind that initiative. College AIM works with a coalition of college counselors across the state working to make this happen.
Equity for DACA & Undocumented Students
Georgia bars DACA and undocumented students from attending the state’s flagship institutions: UGA, Georgia Tech and Georgia College. At all other state institutions, DACA and undocumented students are charged out-of-state tuition. Additionally, these students cannot receive the Pell Grant or other federal aid, the HOPE Scholarship or other state aid, and face a treacherous path towards college completion. College AIM supports immediately opening all institutions and federal and state aid opportunities to DACA and undocumented students.
