Pell Grant Experiment
Important Information
Houston Community College was selected by the U.S Department of Education to participate in two Pell Grant Experiments that will enable some previously ineligible students to receive financial aid assistance. The purpose of the Pell Grant Experiment is to determine the impact of the expansion of the Pell Grant eligibility criteria for students enrolling in occupational training. In addition, the pilot program will provide policy officials with information on the impact of expanding Pell Grant access on educational attainment, student debt, employment, and earnings.
Experiment 1
Temporarily expands Pell Grant eligibility to some students with a bachelor’s degree to receive not more than one full scheduled Pell Grant award, over no more than two years, for enrollment in a vocational/career program of one year or less.
Experiment 2
Temporary expands Pell Grant eligibility to some first time students, who are enrolled in an approved vocational program. The program must be a minimum of eight weeks in length and 150 clock hours of instructional time.
Pell Grant Details
Important Information
- The Pell Grant Experiment participants will be randomly selected. Not everyone who applies will receive a Pell Grant.
- Pell Grants will be randomly assigned once the student completes the participation process.
- A follow up survey must be completed at the end of the program.
How To Apply
- Complete HCC Continuing Education Admission application at www.hccs.edu
- Apply for a Federal Student Aid FSA ID - If you are an independent, only you will need a FSA ID. If you are a dependent, you and one of your parents/guardians will also need to apply for a FSA ID.
- Complete the FAFSA application To complete the FAFSA application, your current 1040 income tax information is required. In order for Financial Aid to view your application, please enter the HCC School Code: 010422
- Set up a meeting with your CE Certificate program representative. Bring a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) to the Orientation.
- Send an e-mail with your name, student ID and CE program to the Financial Aid Department at finaid.ce@hccs.edu
- Eligibility status requirements will be determined in approximately 7-10 business days after all required application documentation is received. Do not register for classes unless Pell Grant Experiment is approved. An award notification will be sent via email.
- Once award notification is received, coordinate start date with CE Staff or Program Manager in order to register for classes.te start date with CE Staff or Program Manager in order to register for classes.
- Unless self-paying do not register until funding is secure.
- Funds are awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. For more information visit: hccs.edu/ce, call 713.718.8905 or email finaid.ce@hccs.edu.
Important Requirements
U.S citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Texas Resident.
- Submit FAFSA Application.
- Submit a .
- Have a high school diploma.
- Must Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Males must be registered for selective service or have proof of exception.
- Must meet approved continuing education program requirements.
- Must be registered into a course before Pell Grant can be posted to your account.
- Must pass all registered program coursework in order for subsequent coursework to be funded.
- Students are not allowed to pursue another approved continuing education program and/ or academic career without completing the current certificate.
A student must comply with HCC Finanical Aid office Terms and Conditions.