Cutting Barriers, Creating Futures
Ending the Pell Grant gap to ensure Florida students can thrive.
Recent changes by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Department of Education are putting over 5,500 Florida students' futures at risk by significantly reducing Pell Grant eligibility. DOE’s new “150% rule” affects not only cosmetology but also a wide range of fields including massage therapy, medical assistance, HVAC, phlebotomy, and more, cutting off access to over $15 million in annual funding. In the upcoming legislative session, Florida has a critical opportunity to align state law with federal requirements, creating additional program options to protect these students' education pathways. Immediate action is necessary — delaying beyond this session could permanently close the door on thousands of students, jeopardizing their futures and the state’s economic growth across multiple sectors.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis: What’s at Stake for Students
- 77% of Florida voters agree that students should have access to Pell Grants to pursue education in beauty and wellness programs.
- 89% of Florida voters say Pell Grants are essential for students attending vocational and technical programs.
- The average Pell Grant recipient in these programs receives $4,121 annually to cover the cost of their education.
- Over 75% of students in vocational programs, from cosmetologists and massage therapists to medical assistants and HVAC specialists, rely on Pell Grants.
Long-Term Impact on Florida’s Workforce and Economic Health
For decades, the Pell Grant program has been a critical lifeline for students, providing access to vocational education without the burden of overwhelming debt. The beauty and wellness industry, a key pillar of Florida’s economy, offers a range of appealing career opportunities. However, without access to Pell Grant support, many students will likely face a harsh reality: They may be forced to take on high-interest loans, juggle multiple jobs, or abandon their educational pursuits altogether. This threat to Pell Grant access does more than jeopardize the futures of individual students across many fields, it also poses a serious threat to Florida’s skilled workforce — particularly in high-demand sectors like beauty, health care, and hospitality. By restricting access to Pell Grants, lawmakers risk shrinking the talent pool in a thriving industry, ultimately undermining Florida’s economic growth and limiting opportunities for local communities. Over time, the inability to fill essential positions could lead to workforce shortages, slowing the expansion of key industries and reducing Florida’s overall economic competitiveness. Protecting Pell Grant access is essential to preserving Florida’s competitive edge and ensuring long-term economic stability.
Existing state law in Florida no longer aligns with federal Pell Grant requirements, preventing thousands of vocational students from qualifying for vital funding. We’re not asking lawmakers to undo current laws but to simply provide an additional option that opens access to $15 million in Pell Grant funding. This will enable students to continue their education and pursue careers in various fields. Although the new rules are being challenged in federal court, these legal proceedings take time. Lawmakers must act now to ensure that students have immediate access to this critical support. Floridians overwhelmingly support amending laws to raise minimum eligibility requirements, ensuring that access to education and job training programs remains intact.
Ensuring Pell Grant Access for a Stronger Florida Workforce
- Without Pell Grant funding, many will be forced to take out loans, work extra jobs, or abandon their education – and their career dreams.
- Vocational programs support communities and create jobs across hospitality, health care, and beauty. Maintaining Pell Grant access gurantees a skilled workforce and drives economic growth.
- Expanding access to Pell Grants through state-level options will empower more students to pursue vocational training without financial barriers. By providing a flexible solution, lawmakers can ensure that Florida’s workforce continues to thrive in key industries, while reducing the burden of student debt and supporting long-term economic stability.
Why Florida’s Economy Depends on a Skilled, Supported Workforce
Without swift state-level action, thousands of students aspiring to careers in cosmetology, massage therapy, and medical assistance risk losing access to the education they need. Lawmakers have the opportunity to create a solution by adding an option that makes it easier for all students to qualify for Pell Grants, ensuring that they continue to receive the financial support that is vital to pursue their careers. This critical action would safeguard students' futures while bolstering Florida’s economy by sustaining a skilled and diverse workforce in the beauty and wellness industries — sectors that are key drivers of job growth and economic stability in the state.
Stay up to date with the latest news on Pell Grant eligibility and its impact on Florida’s beauty and wellness students. Learn more about how recent federal changes threaten access to these vital funds, and what we are doing to challenge these changes and advocate for Florida students.
Lawmakers must preserve access to Pell Grants
Orlando Sentinel
As a single mother of two, it hasn’t been easy finding a way to balance work and family while pursuing my education.