NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Published: 12/02/2021
More careers than ever require post-secondary education, yet higher education is increasingly out of reach. Students and families—not public dollars—now fund the bulk of higher education costs.
For years, NEA members advocated canceling college debt to help fix educator shortages. Now, because of the Biden administration’s life-changing actions, student loans taken out by 48 million borrowers are being substantially reduced, forgiven, or even canceled outright.
Make a Difference Today
Take Action Now
Looking for more ways to take action?
-
VOTE NO on overturning President Biden’s student-debt relief program
Submitted on 05/24/2023
-
VOTE NO on resolution to deny students debt relief
Submitted on 05/19/2023
-
NEA Comments for House Hearing on President Biden’s Student Loan Policies
Submitted on 03/23/2023
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
-
Support
HR 6077 POST GRAD Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 10/26/2023
A bill that would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reinstate the authority of the Secretary of Education to make Federal Direct Stafford Loans to graduate and professional students.
-
Support
HR 5963 the Protecting Students’ Civil Rights Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 10/12/2023
A bill that would ensure institutions of higher education address discrimination on college campuses by designating an employee to coordinate compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
-
Support
HR 4931 Pell Grant Flexibility Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 07/26/2023
A bill to ensure federal resources for college students keep up with current costs by indexing Pell grants to inflation.
A History Advocating for Higher Education
1965
Higher Education Act Becomes Law
President Johnson signs the Higher Education Act (HEA) into law to “strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education.”
1972
Pell Grants Begin
The Pell Grant program, the largest grant program that the U.S. Department of Education offers to undergraduate students, is created.
1992
Higher Education Act Reauthorization
Congress reauthorizes the Higher Education Act and Pres. George H.W. Bush signs it into law. The reauthorization significantly expands the student loan program.
1998
GEAR UP Begins
The Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998 authorize Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). GEAR UP provides six-year grants to help increase the college-going rate of low-income students.
2007
PSLF Program Created
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) is created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. PSLF is designed to encourage students to enter public service professions, such as education, through a promise to forgive student loans after 10 years’ worth of payments.
2008
Higher Education Opportunity Act Enacted
The Higher Education Opportunity Act is enacted, reauthorizing the amended version of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
2021
PSLF Program Overhauled to Meet Educators' Needs
The Biden-Harris administration on October 6 announces an overhaul of the PSLF program, including a broad expansion of the types of payments that count toward loan forgiveness. An estimated 550,000 public-service workers will see their progress toward PSLF grow because of the changes. The overhaul resulted after the administration received 168,000 emails from National Education Association members.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Do More
Are you an affiliate?
Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Cancel Your Student Debt
By working to cancel student debt and improve forgiveness programs, we can make sure everybody who wants to learn and grow can do so—without exceptions.
