“I grew up with zero financial advantage. Despite facing household food shortages and housing crises during middle and high school, I never knew how poor we were until I was filling out financial aid applications. Attending college was my only way out and up. Financial Aid gave me power over my future.”
Tara S.
UW-Whitewater
“I got a Federal Pell grant my first year of my undergraduate education, which qualified me for several other scholarships and grants. I would not have been able to afford my undergraduate degree or current graduate program without federal aid. Now, I’m living a life I could only have dreamed about!”
Elise R.
UW-Milwaukee
“As a first-generation college student, financial aid was the reason I could attend and graduate from UW-Parkside. Completing the FAFSA each year opened the door to grants and support that made higher education possible for me. That support didn’t just help me afford school; it gave me the chance to lead, give back, and now pursue graduate studies. Changes to federal aid would close doors for students like me. We need to protect these opportunities for the next generation of Wisconsin students.”
Alejandro S.
UW-Parkside
As a Hmong-American first-generation college student, Federal Financial Aid gave me the opportunity to meet a community that changed my life. Without it, I would not be the person I am today. I continue to strive for a higher education to be able to support first-generation students like me. We depend on financial aid to allow us to make an impact and be the next generation of leaders. As a first-generation student who came out of high school with little to no support or resources, I was able to get through college with the help of financial aid.
Sheng V.
UW-Madison
Financial aid made it possible for me to pay for school while working as much as possible while living on low income. I’m incredibly grateful for it!
Marissa L.
UW-Milwaukee
Growing up with not much money has helped me attend college. Without financial aid I wouldn’t be where I am today. College has become accessible to many due to financial aid, changing the lives of many like mine. Without financial aid I would have no choice but to drop out.
Starlette S.
UW-Milwaukee
I would have not been able to attend college if I did not receive federal grants and scholarships. I cannot thank the UW-system enough for their generosity.
Em L.
UW-Milwaukee
I received Pell Grants at UW-Platteville after my father had a motorcycle accident that left him unable to work for several months, and needing to take a pay cut following a change in career due to his injuries. Although I only received federal aid for one year at university, the temporary easement on my family’s financial situation allowed me to pursue an education, when the alternative stood as going straight into the workforce.
Joel O.
UW-Platteville
Coming from a single parent house hold, my dreams of going to college relied solely on financial aid. This May I completed my Bachelors of Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. Federal funding faintly handedly put me through college. I am returning to UWM in the Fall to earn my Masters of School Social Work. Giving back to my community is my dream and so many others. Taking away federal funding is purposely denying students equal opportunity to success. I am incredibly thankful for the aid I have received.
Samantha P.
UW-Milwaukee
Coming from a low-income household, attending college was never even an option until I learned about FAFSA. Receiving the Pell grant has made college possible, as a STEM student, it has helped relieve that financial stress, allowing me to fully focus on my career and allowing me to break barriers as a first-generation immigrant.
Vilma M.
UW-Milwaukee
