Understanding Pell Grants for Justice-Impacted Individuals - Free Money for College
Pell Grant Eligibility for Justice-Impacted Students
Since the passing of the FAFSA Simplification Act in 2020, individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated may now qualify for Pell Grants. These are federal funds for college that do not have to be paid back.
How to Qualify While Incarcerated
To receive a Pell Grant while serving a sentence, you must meet these specific requirements:
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Enrollment: You must be accepted into an approved Prison Education Program (PEP).
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Goal: You must be working toward a specific degree or certificate.
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Academic History: You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, which may also include homeschool or other equivalent.
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Academic Standing: You must maintain "satisfactory academic progress" (good grades and staying on track to graduate).
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Exclusions: You cannot use these grants for elementary or secondary school education.
Getting Started
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Check with the School: Ensure the program you are interested in is a certified PEP.
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Contact Admissions: Reach out to the admissions team at your local Virginia Community College to discuss the application process.
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Submit the FAFSA: This is the first step to determining how much financial aid you can receive.
Note: If you were previously incarcerated but are now released, you may apply for Pell Grants for any eligible program at a community college, not just a PEP.