Claiborne Pell

Senator Claiborne Pell has passed. He will be missed by many, and left a long record of service and accomplishments.

When asked his greatest achievement, Pell always was quick to answer, “Pell Grants.”

He sponsored legislation creating the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, which passed in 1972 and provided direct aid to college students. The awards were renamed “Pell Grants” in 1980. By the time Pell retired, they had aided more than 54 million low- and middle-income Americans.

I hope our new president continues this work. Thank you, Senator Pell, you made us proud.

2 thoughts on “Claiborne Pell”

  1. In recent years Senator Pell proudly defended Gay Rights both in Rhode Island and, I believe, on the Senate floor…

    I was always proud to have him as my Senator.

  2. Can there be a better legacy than Pell Grants?

    Especially now, where the cost of college is taking it out of the realm of possibility of many lower-income people.

    It’s that Republican Elitism at work again.

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