Yesterday in Bakersfield, PIQE hosted a powerful roundtable with parents, students, and advocates raising the alarm on proposed federal education budget cuts. For many, Pell Grants are the only way college is possible. Losing them means lost dreams, limited futures, and economic harm to our communities. 📢 “If this aid is taken away, he wouldn’t be able to go to school anymore. His dreams would come to a halt, and he wouldn't be able to continue” said Virginia Ramirez, a concerned parent. Local students and families are calling on leaders like @RepDavidValadao to protect funding that makes higher education accessible. This fight goes beyond campuses. It’s about equity, opportunity, and hope. 📰 Read the full story from @23ABCNews: go.piqe.org/4iq7h7n

Today in Bakersfield, we gathered with parents, students, and borrowers from Kern County for a powerful roundtable on the real cost of proposed federal education budget cuts. Hosted by PIQE, @theSBPC, and the @_UCSA, the conversation spotlighted how slashing Pell Grants and affordable student loan programs would hurt working families. This discussion elevated Kern County voices were clear: college affordability matters. Thank you to everyone who shared their story and stood up for students and families.