May 2, 2025

FirstGen Forward:
Preserve funding for first-generation, low-income students

"These cuts would harm first-generation college students, many of whom rely on financial aid and support programs to access and succeed in college. Reducing these resources threatens not only their educational opportunities, but also their economic mobility and long-term success."
— Maurice Jones, CEO

Today, the Office of Management and Budget released the President’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, a budget that, if enacted, would pose direct risks to the success efforts of first-generation college students—both current and future—across the country.

The proposal would eliminate critical programs that have transformed lives and communities for decades: Federal TRIO Programs, GEAR UP, and the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program. It would also slash Federal Work-Study funding by more than 80%—effectively dismantling pathways to higher education and economic mobility for first-generation and low-income students.

These cuts would harm first-generation college students, many of whom rely on financial aid and support programs to access and succeed in college. Reducing these resources threatens not only their educational opportunities, but also their economic mobility and long-term success.

FirstGen Forward urges Congress to work with the White House to transform its proposal into one that ultimately supports first-generation students, their families, and the promise of an education for all those who wish to pursue it.

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CONTACT:
Senior Director of External Relations & Policy
media@firstgenforward.org