“To provide scholarships.…is a social strategy of the first order. It is the permanent line of social defense. It is moreover a vital part of public economy. Education is our common cause, however people may differ in religion or party politics. It is the means of organizing permanent forces of American life.”
– Meta Bettman, 1926
Like Meta Bettman, The Scholarship Foundation envisions a society in which full participation in education is accessible to all, regardless of economic circumstance. Ask a room full of our people for the keywords one would use to tag the organization’s mission and here is what they readily shout out: EDUCATION and DEMOCRACY.
The Foundation has one advocacy priority: Stand with students in pursuit of public policy that supports those whose economic condition might otherwise exclude them from higher education. We enter the political arena advocating for policies without endorsing a particular party or candidate, nonpartisan but not apolitical. The organization’s founder and chair for its first 30 years, Meta Bettman, set forth the connection between scholarships, social systems, and educational outcomes in an essay she wrote a century ago and to which board and staff still refer when confused or in doubt.
Much is now confusing or uncertain, in all realms of public life. Executive orders and administrative actions have been issued, rescinded, challenged in an abundance of lawsuits, and refashioned in pending legislation or state action. Foundation leadership has been tracking the matters most pertinent to the students the Foundation serves (and those like them across the country). The priorities are familiar and clear.
The Scholarship Foundation will engage in public policy debate in the high priority issues described below:
ADMINISTRATION
Reduction and reorganization in force at the federal administrative level could compromise data security, hamper FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) processing, and delay or derail entirely financial aid awards at the federal, state, institutional, and local level.
PELL GRANT FUNDING AND DELIVERY
Federal aid to needy students is delivered based on FAFSA data (see above). The federal Pell Grant is awarded at a maximum of $7,395 per student annually. While current budgets (academic years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026) are said to be secure, budget reconciliation processes are underway in Congress and a significant shortfall is projected. Failure to award or deliver Pell Grants will affect enrollment, graduation, and debt rates for millions.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Executive orders have been issued in recent weeks at the federal and state levels interpreting the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in admissions. These orders prohibit certain words, phrases, staff roles, educational opportunities, or those actions previously taken as recompense or redress of historic racial and ethnic exclusion and inequity. Institutions of higher education have swiftly closed academic programs, terminated or reassigned faculty and staff, and rescinded or refashioned scholarships.
IMMIGRATION
Detainment and deportation are now highly publicized at national and local levels. Federal edicts have been issued regarding English language, resulting in discontinuation of language services in federal offices. Undocumented individuals are now required to register, and the executive branch has use of data (IRS, FAFSA) to identify families of mixed immigration status. Some institutions of higher education have responded with revocation of scholarships formerly offered to students. Across the country, some state legislators propose to ban universities from enrolling undocumented students.
STUDENT ORGANIZING, PROTEST, AND FREE SPEECH
Under duress, if not yet formal attack, are the rights of students to express dissent from governmental or institutional policies. Both the method and content of such dissent may be subject to serious sanction.
While many of these challenges aren’t new, the potential harm to low-income students from administrative failures or discriminatory policies could be profound and the impact on civil society could be inestimable. The Foundation is focused on ensuring continued support for its 554 students, with staff and board members actively preparing for worst-case scenarios. Advocacy efforts are ongoing to inform students, board, staff and partners in preparation to act. Thank you to all who stand with students before, during and after the threatening storm.
– Faith Sandler
