Federal Economic Stimulus Means More Student Money May 1, 2009 – Contact: Tom Gariepy District Director, Marketing and Communications 480.731.8248-office 480.209.6046-cell April 27, 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus Means More Money for Students Tempe, AZ – By going to or staying in college, students can take part in the federal Economic Stimulus Program, which will pump more than $30 billion into making college more affordable for students and their families. “The federal program has three incentives designed to help students attend school and stay in school,” said Sylvia Manlove, Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. “Students who take advantage of them will find that their financial burdens are lighter than they would be otherwise.” The three features of the federal program, approved by Congress this year are: • More Pell Grant money for qualified students in each of the next two years. Federal economic stimulus money is boosting the amount of Pell Grant money qualified students can receive by $500 to a maximum of $5,350, beginning July 1, 2009. • More work-study money, which means there will be more opportunities for students who qualify. What’s more, work-study students may be eligible for more working hours because of increased funding. • At tax time, students or their parents – whoever pays the education bill -- may be eligible for additional tax credits approved as part of the stimulus program. The American Tax Credit expands the existing Hope Scholarship tax credit and would be worth as much as b$2,500 for higher education expenses, up from the current $1,800. The full credit would be available to individuals making less than $80,000, or $160,000 for joint filers. Students do not need to fill out additional paperwork to see if they qualify for Pell Grants. They simply should apply for a Pell Grant as they ordinarily would, and if they are eligible, they will receive the money. Similarly, there is no need to do anything additional to apply for the new work study opportunities, beyond applying for work study. Both the Pell grant and work study program require that students will out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry; technical and customized training institutes. -Maricopa Community Colleges-

Last updated: November 23, 2009 Paradise Valley Community College- URL-http://www.maricopa.edu © 2009 Maricopa County Community College District. All Rights Reserved. Click here for Questions or Comments.