Rebuilding America’s Middle Class (RAMC) members are pleased by the Obama Administration’s proposal to reinstate summer Pell Grants. The reinstatement of this important college completion tool has been a RAMC priority. When Summer Pell was eliminated several years ago community college students were hit the hardest.

While we welcome support for reinstating Summer Pell, after some time to reflect and to review the details as currently available, we are concerned with the requirement that students would have to take at least 24 credits during the previous two semesters.

We understand in theory the Administration’s urge to encourage students to attend college full time, however a huge number of community college students are working adults who can’t necessarily commit to go full time while balancing the demands of work and family.

As this proposal receives consideration by Congress, we would urge that it be modified to ensure that all community college students benefit. We look forward to working with the White House, U.S. Department of Education officials and members of the U.S. House and Senate to ensure this proposal doesn’t leave our nation’s working adults without this important college completion tool.