Southern University SGA President Pushes for Pell Grant Protections at Presidential Joint Address
Approximately 74% of students at Southern University, a historically Black institution renowned for its academic excellence and commitment to opportunity, depend on Pell Grant assistance to complete their education.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the nation’s leaders gathered for the Presidential Joint Address to Congress on Thursday night, Congressman Cleo Fields was accompanied by a powerful voice for student advocacy—Kennedy Orr, president of Southern University’s Student Government Association. Orr spent the day on Capitol Hill engaging with lawmakers, passionately advocating for affordable higher education and the continued funding of federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant.
At Southern University, a historically Black institution that has long been a pillar of academic excellence and opportunity, approximately 74% of students rely on Pell Grant assistance to complete their education. Orr underscored the dire reality students face as political debates over federal education funding continue.
"Many of my peers are watching these discussions unfold in real time, and their futures hang in the balance," Orr stated during an in-depth conversation with Fields. "So many students are just semesters away from reaching their dreams, yet they are now confronted with the heartbreaking possibility of having to drop out simply because they can no longer afford tuition. That should never be the reality for anyone striving for a better future."
The Pell Grant program has long served as a lifeline for students from low-income backgrounds, particularly those at HBCUs, where financial barriers can often stand in the way of academic achievement. Orr’s message was clear: education should not be a privilege afforded only to those with means, but a fundamental right accessible to all.
Expressing gratitude for legislators working to uphold these critical programs, Orr acknowledged the weight of their advocacy. "I truly thank every congressperson, senator, and policymaker who is fighting to protect Pell Grants and ensure students have access to a financially stable education. Their efforts bring comfort to students like me, who are relying on these opportunities to change the trajectory of our lives."
Fields, a steadfast champion for education funding, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting student aid and ensuring the long-term stability of HBCUs. His full discussion with Orr can be viewed on his official website.
