POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiSeptember 2, 2026Miami-Dade

United Way Miami and educational leaders address $28 million in unclaimed Pell Grant funding

Educational leaders and community organizations met to discuss strategies for increasing Pell Grant utilization after research identified $28 million in unclaimed federal aid for Miami-Dade students. The group is exploring ways to simplify the transition from high school to college to capture these funds and improve local postsecondary enrollment.

educationfinancial aideconomic developmenthigher education
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News Miami

Why It Matters

Miami-Dade students are currently missing out on $28 million in available federal financial aid, which could otherwise support their higher education and contribute to an estimated billion dollars in local economic value.

Key Facts

  • $28 million in Pell Grant funding remains unclaimed by eligible students in Miami-Dade.
  • The primary cause for the unclaimed funds is identified as students failing to complete financial aid forms.
  • Research suggests that 1,500 additional students pursuing postsecondary education could generate over $1 billion in social and economic value for the county.
  • The meeting focused on identifying gaps in the transition process from high school to higher education.
  • United Way Miami is leading the initiative to increase postsecondary degree attainment.

Who's Mentioned

organizationUnited Way Miami“Organizer of the meeting regarding college funding.”locationMiami-Dade“Geographic area affected by the funding gap.”personSymeria Hudson“President and CEO of United Way Miami.”other1,500“Number of additional students needed to pursue postsecondary education to reach ”