Overview: 

Chapter 2 of 2022, Special Session I of the General Assembly appropriated $250,000 for an external review of enrollment and retention rates of in-state, Pell-eligible baccalaureate students across the Commonwealth. A 2023 report identified the target goals of each institution to improve either enrollment or completion of Pell-eligible students. In some cases, an institution may need to improve both measures.

Having funded a total of $36.9 million in awards for FY 2024, the General Assembly continued to grow PIV by appropriating $37.5 million in each of the following two fiscal years. Awards granted from this additional investment have allowed institutions to scale up year one activities, incorporate activities implemented by other institutions and introduce new activities.

Institutions are currently working on refining their programs as the Pell Initiative moves away from cohort grants to yearly awards. 

To see the most recent report on its effectiveness, check here: Pell Initiative for Virginia Annual Report – November 2025

Important Dates:
March 17- Report due 
April 30- Annual Award Letters Released
June 2- Signed MOUs Due 

For questions, contact: 
Barry Simmons and Sarahbeth Dreis
Barrysimmons@schev.edu
Sarahbethdreis@schev.edu