Dear Florida Legislator, As a college student, I am working hard to pursue my dreams of higher education. Like 3 million other students at community colleges each year, I depend on Pell grants to stay in school. From tuition and fees, to textbooks and room and board, the costs of college are rising dramatically. This is why maintaing the maximum Pell grant award of $5,500 is an important part of providing opportunity to students like me. Unfortunately, recent proposals to make deep cuts to the Pell Grant program and reduce awards by thousands of dollars would make it harder for me and my fellow students who are working towards higher education. To help me pursue my dreams, please protect the pell grant program in congress and preserve its impact as one of the most powerful tools to increase access to higher education.