# Plain Language Summary: Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2024

This bill makes major changes to the federal Pell Grant program, which provides money to help low-income students pay for college. Right now, Pell Grants are funded through the annual budget process, which means Congress has to approve the money each year. This bill would make Pell Grants "mandatory funding," meaning the money automatically flows to students who qualify without needing yearly approval. It also significantly increases how much money students can receive.

The bill gradually increases the maximum Pell Grant from around $7,000 today to $14,000 by 2030, then automatically adjusts it each year based on inflation. This means students would get roughly double what they currently receive. Starting in 2025, the maximum grant would be $10,000, then $11,000 the next year, climbing to $14,000 by 2030. After that, the amount grows automatically with the cost of living, so it won't shrink in value over time. The bill also creates a special boost for the poorest students—those who qualify for government benefits like food stamps or Medicaid would get even larger grants that exceed the standard maximum.

The bill also expands who can receive Pell Grants. It allows "Dreamer" students (undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children) to qualify for federal aid if they've earned a high school diploma or are enrolled in college. Additionally, it restores eligibility for students who previously lost Pell Grant access due to academic performance issues, making it easier for struggling students to get a second chance. The bill also removes a rule that limited how many semesters students could receive grants, allowing people to pursue education for longer periods.