One idea being floated in Higher Education Act reauthorization discussions is that of "front-loading" Pell Grants--or giving students the greatest amount of financial aid in the first two years of college.  Its proponents suggest that it could be a method of improving college access for needy students.

Front-loading was on the agenda of a July 15 House Education and Workforce subcommittee hearing at which Chairman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Penn.) said it would get more students in the door at college. 

The AFT opposes this approach because it doesn't address the ongoing need of students struggling to finish up four-year degrees. It also could undermine efforts to improve college persistence rates.

Martin Hittelman, president of the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) Community College Council, said "the front-loading of Pell Grants is short-sighted and offers false promises to students whose financial need remains the same and sometimes even increases from the first to the third and fourth year."  

"Front-loading of the Pell Grant program would be exceedingly problematic for the health and welfare of public four-year higher education," explained Sue Kaufman, President of the University Professionals of Illinois, AFT local 4100.  "We need more grants to help fund the neediest of our students.  And the numbers of needy are going up."

At the hearing, Arnold Mitchem, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education, warned legislators that there are some concerns associated with front-loading.  Mitchem counseled legislators to be "careful, cautious and find a way to provide a safety net" if they decide to pursue front-loading.