The Pell Institute

Conferences & Events

We believe in the power of conferences and events to bring together thought leaders, researchers, educators, and advocates who are passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape. Join us at our upcoming conferences and events to be a part of this transformative journey.

two powerful days of discussion, discovery, and networking

The Pell Institute invites you to the premier national conference focused exclusively on student financial aid research and policy—where data meets action and research drives reform.

The 42nd Student Financial Aid Research Network (SFARN) Conference will take place July 10-11, 2025, at the University of Maryland, College Park. At a critical time when education and research are under serious attack, SFARN provides a vital space for researchers, policymakers, and advocates to unite, share insights, and advance research that protects equitable access to education. We invite proposals on pressing issues such as federal and state policy changes, college food insecurity, student loan debt, access for low-income and non-traditional students, updates on the “Better FAFSA,” and Pell restoration for incarcerated individuals. Join us in shaping the future of student aid research and policy.

  • Tentative Agenda: Confirmed speakers and panelists hail from RTI International, IHEP, EdTrust, Lumina Foundation, CCRC, CLASP, and more. See the latest agenda here.
REGISTER HERE
What to Expect

🎓 Insightful panels on key federal and non-federal data sources 📊 Timely research presentations on racial wealth disparities, college affordability, FAFSA completion, and food insecurity 📈 Forward-looking discussions on the future of data infrastructure and the role of philanthropy in simplifying financial aid ⚽ A new spotlight on college athletics and its impact on student aid 🍽️ Networking receptions and meals included

NOW AVAILABLE

Volume 5: Bridging Access, Opportunity, and Equity Through Education Attainment and Wellbeing

Volume 5 of Opportunity Matters Journal is official available for download! This edition dives into equity in higher education, featuring innovative practices, powerful narratives, and cutting-edge research.

What’s Inside:

  • Research on access, opportunity, and intersectionality
  • Practice briefs with actionable frameworks
  • Stories from students, alumni, and practitioners
Access Here

Stay Connected

The Pell Institute is the first research institute to specifically examine the issues affecting educational opportunity for low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students. Learn more about the Pell Institute, including our mission, purpose, goals, and history.

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communities of practice

Research, Evaluation and Data Use

This community of practice aims to generate knowledge and evidence about practices that best serve our students. Community members see research, evaluation, and evidence-supported practices as crucial to improving the success of college access and success programs. Members also believe that knowledge, strategies, and techniques developed in the many successful programs around the country should be documented and shared with the larger community of college access and success professionals. Finally, this community hopes to share practical, innovative methods for evaluating the success of each program. Overall, this community of practice functions as a place to facilitate the sharing of ideas, network, and connect institutions in search of ways to support our students’ academic access and success.

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Publications