Student Success
First-Generation Delgado Community College (LA) Student Ronulia Darensburg: ‘The Pell Grant Means Opportunity’
National First-Generation College Celebration Day, we spotlight the 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students in our colleges and universities. Making up more than half (54%) of all undergraduates, each first-generation student has unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives that enrich our communities.
Louisiana student testimony puts Pell Grant funding in the spotlight
Delgado Community College (LA) nursing student, Ronulia Darensburg, shared her personal story at a Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill briefing where staffers learned about the importance of the Pell Grant.
Both Ends of the System: My Time in Community College and the California State Preschool Program
My experience in community college was defined not by my role as a student, but by my role as an educator.
THE VITALITY OF PARTNERSHIP: Why it’s so important for 2-year and 4-year institutions to build and maintain transfer partnerships
ACCT's Fall 2026 Public Policy intern, Rakshithaa, shares her personal experience with transferring from a 2-year institution to a 4-year university, as both a transfer student and a transfer peer mentor.
My Pell Grant Story: The Role of Federal Aid in Expanding College Access
For millions of students, going to college is not only about earning admission; it is also about being able to afford the full cost of attendance. Tuition, housing, food, textbooks, transportation, and other daily expenses can make higher education feel out of reach, especially for students from low-income and middle-income families. Federal aid programs such as the Pell Grant and Federal Work-Study help reduce these financial barriers by making college more accessible and manageable.
Dual Enrollment: A Critical Bridge to Postsecondary Success
Rachel, ACCT's Spring 2026 intern, details her experience as a dual enrollment student, how that transformed her life, and the opportunities that dual enrollment can present to high school students.
