Aim Higher, Act Now: Expand Educational Access for All Students

By Shlonda Jones, MSW, LSW

Expanding the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 is more than a policy debate. It reflects our country’s commitment to educational fairness. The slow progress of the Aim Higher Act (H.R. 6543), introduced in 2018, is not just about politics. It highlights a bigger problem: We are not solving the rising cost crisis for students.

For educators and social workers helping underserved students, Congress’ delay means fewer opportunities for students to get ahead right now. The facts are clear: College is getting less affordable. Seventy-seven percent of Americans say college costs too much (Strada Education Network, 2025). Most future students—87%—need financial aid, but most receive loans rather than grants (National Center for Education Statistics, 2025). High interest rates make these loans even harder to repay, which worries
many borrowers.

Nearly 90% of Pell Grant recipients still can’t cover all their expenses. On average, they face a yearly gap of almost $10,000 (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 2025). These numbers show that college is out of reach for many, making it harder for students to graduate and for the economy to grow.

The Aim Higher Act tackles these issues head-on. It suggests raising Pell Grants, holding schools more accountable, and making the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process easier. These updates would bring the HEA in line with what today’s students need. Right now, the maximum Pell Grant covers less than a third of costs at most four-year colleges–far less than before. Only about half of students complete the FAFSA, and complex paperwork keeps many from getting help (National College Attainment Network, 2025).

From a social work perspective, these are major policy problems with the current HEA. Students from low-income or underserved backgrounds face greater challenges due to confusing aid systems, insufficient grant funding, and rising tuition. The Aim Higher Act focuses on need-based aid and improved access. These goals fit with social work’s values of fairness and justice.

But the bill is stuck. Some critics argue the Aim Higher Act is too ambitious and too expensive.

Lawmakers agree that managing costs matters, but many also say the real issue is investing in higher education. In 2024-2025, students received more than $275 billion in financial aid (College Board, 2025), underscoring how much they rely on federal aid. Many families still say they need more support, which could mean even more dependence on federal funding (Sallie Mae, 2025). If nothing changes, these gaps will keep growing and slow down workforce growth.

To win bipartisan support for the Aim Higher Act, we need coordinated strategies that match the priorities of both parties. Practitioners can use targeted lobbying and adjust their messages. For Democrats, focus on equity and expanding Pell Grants. For Republicans, highlight how the bill supports workforce development and economic growth. Using local data on college completion and job needs can help make the case. Working with business leaders, colleges, workforce groups, and community organizations can help build bipartisan support. These partnerships show that many sectors care about making college affordable. Encouraging students to share their stories through social media, testimony, and op-eds also makes the issue more relatable. Stories from working-class and first-generation students highlight the real challenges of the FAFSA.

These approaches show the Aim Higher Act as a practical way to bring people together. Additionally, practitioners should investigate and identify where FAFSA completion rates are low. All these efforts need to focus on real results and can promote a shift in perspective about the Aim Higher Bill. Success will depend on fair implementation and continued investment in the Act’s provisions that expand the HEA. If the HEA is not updated, disagreements in Congress will only get worse. Lawmakers still debate whether higher education should serve the public good or private interests. For social workers, supporting the Aim Higher Act is about more than just policy. It means promoting equal educational opportunities and challenging unfair systems. The real question is not whether reform is needed, but whether we are ready to act now. Let’s stand together, encourage our communities to get involved, and demand the changes higher education needs.

Shlonda Jones, MSW, is a licensed social worker (LSW) based in Philadelphia, with experience in education, child welfare, mental health, and health care settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Ethnic Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Social Work from Temple University, and a Master of Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Liberty University. Shlonda has extensive experience providing therapeutic services, crisis intervention, and evidence-based support to at-risk youth and adults while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve client outcomes. Passionate about community service and advocacy, she is dedicated to connecting marginalized individuals to resources and opportunities that promote educational access, personal growth, and stronger communities. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and a current doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky.