“As a Federal Pell Grant recipient, I know firsthand how life-changing this support is for students pursuing higher education. As a low-income, first-generation student, I spent the summer before attending UW–Stout consumed with worry. How could someone like me without financial security or a college-going family possibly afford to attend?

At times, college felt like a dream reserved for students from two-parent, financially stable households. But Pell Grants made that dream real. This program helped cover my educational costs and allowed me to focus on my degree, work multiple on-campus jobs, and take on leadership roles that have connected me deeply to my campus community.

I’m not alone. On my campus, 42% of students rely on financial aid to keep going. Like so many across the country, we’re working hard to defy statistics that are too often stacked against us. A college degree is one of the few tools we have to change our lives and Pell Grants are a key part of making that possible.

Protect Pell, Invest in future”

Sophia Moore
UW-Stout(B.S. Applied Social Science – History & Politics Concentration)
Red Wing, MN

“After having the opportunity to fund a portion of my college education through financial aid, this lifted a large financial burden off my shoulders. I was able to enjoy my time at school because of this, even though I continued to work extra hours at my off-campus job. After graduation in May 2025, I was put into the workforce without overwhelming amounts of student loans. This will allow me to hopefully have the chance to give back to others who have financial burdens, like myself, for higher education.”

Daniel Cookle
UW-Whitewater

“Faced with divorce and needing to support myself on my own at age 51 after being a SAHM for 20 years was daunting because I hadn’t finished my degree years earlier. Life threw me a few curveballs on the way and it just hadn’t happened. I had to move in with my mom, I couldn’t get hired for anything but part-time retail, not enough to live on. After 35 years, I returned to UW-La Crosse to finish the bachelor’s degree I started in 1988. I couldn’t have done that without Pell grants. Education has opened so many doors for me, and I plan to help keep the doors open for those who come after me, and help them succeed in any way I can.”

Tracie Banning
UW-La Crosse

“Coming from a low-income household, college always felt just out of reach. That changed when I received my financial aid package and saw the Pell Grant would help cover most of the cost. Without that support, I truly wouldn’t have been able to attend. Financial aid allowed me to focus on my education instead of worrying about how to afford it. I got involved on campus, earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, and found my path in higher education. My time at UW-Oshkosh shaped who I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities it gave me.”

Clara Hewins
UW-Oshkosh(Human Services program and Educational Leadership Master’s program)
Brillion, WI

“Federal financial aid was essential to my educational journey. It eased the financial burden on my family and made college possible for me. With this support, I was able to focus on my studies, graduate on time, and gain the skills needed for my next steps after earning my undergraduate degree. Financial aid didn’t just help cover tuition—it gave me the chance to build a future. For thousands of students like me, financial aid represents more than assistance; it’s access, opportunity, and the foundation for achieving our goals.”

Emma Kiesling
UW-Oshkosh

“Throughout my time as an undergrad, I have come to truly understand and appreciate the significance of funding. Specifically, the Pell Grant has helped cover essentials such as educational materials and summer courses. Being able to fully participate in the opportunities that shape our future requires access to consistent funding. Hence, the reason why I wanted to … speak about the impact it can make in a scholar’s journey.”

Diante Johnson
UW-Milwaukee

“Receiving the Pell Grant made college an option for me. Without it, it would have been even harder for me to afford to get a post-secondary education, as I come from a low-income family and did not receive financial support from family. I plan to use my UWL education and further education (master’s in counseling from Viterbo University) to support children affected by traumatic experiences and help them heal.”

Ashley Everson
UW-La Crosse

“Gaining a Federal Pell Grant and GI bill has helped me to succeed in school and continue getting a higher education as it helped me to be able to afford on campus housing and my tuition. Growing up with many siblings it is difficult for my parents to be able to pay for my schooling as they have many other kids that they will need to help. I was able to stay on campus and excel in my academics.” 

Trinity Luce-Comeau
UW-Oshkosh (Biomedical Science)
Hartland, Wisconsin 

“As a first-generation, low-income student, financial aid made college education possible for me. With no savings and no job in high school, affording college felt out of reach. Thanks to Pell, Wisconsin, SEOG grants, and the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars, my education at UW–Oshkosh is fully funded. This support not only removed the burden of tuition but also gave me the freedom to take on campus jobs, internships, and research opportunities.”

Amanda Pierron
UW-Oshkosh (BS & BSE | Political Science, Broadfield Social Science Education)
Neenah, Wisconsin 

“I have used FAFSA, and it has helped me a lot with my tuition and paying for school overall. I have gotten almost a quarter of my tuition paid for this year which makes being at college less stressful. I highly recommend getting Financial aid in any way whether it is FAFSA, Pell Grants, Student loans or Scholarships. College is expensive however a college education is so important and using different scholarships, loans or federal aid help pay for your education and lower the cost of college.”

Benjamin Lazovik
UW-Oshkosh (HR Management Major, African American Studies Minor;)
Whitefish Bay, WI