Sue Walitsky, Cardin, 202-224-4524

José Dante Parra, Reid/DPCC, 202-224-2939

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Washington, DC—Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin will join eight university presidents from institutions with significant minority populations to highlight the importance of Pell Grants the nation’s economic prosperity. Also present will be dozens of college students of all backgrounds who will come to Capitol Hill to tell lawmakers how important Pell Grants are to their ability to achieve economic mobility and help the U.S. maintain a competitive labor force. Pell grants are especially vital for Hispanic and African-American students, who often come from low-income families, making the program key to their graduation prospects, their future economic success and America’s overall competitiveness.

WHO: Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)

Pres. Mark Rosenberg, Florida International University

Pres. Mortimer Neufville, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Pres. David Wilson, Morgan State University

Pres. Wim Wiewel, Portland State University

Pres. Charles Bantz, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Pres. Mark Becker, Georgia State University

Pres. John Welty, California State University, Fresno

Pres. Leo Morton, University of Missouri, Kansas City

Dozens of college students whose professional futures depend on the nation’s investment in Pell Grants.

WHAT: Event highlighting the importance of Pell Grants for the nation’s economic health.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 19, 10:30 AM

WHERE: SD-106, Senate Dirksen Office Building

Note: The event will be webcast and can be viewed by clicking on http://democrats.senate.gov/pell-grants