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.

2026

The Pell Institute is pleased to announce the 43rd Annual Student Financial Aid Research Network (SFARN) Conference.

Registration is now open for the SFARN 2026 conference taking place on Tuesday, July 14, through Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in the Red Barn building, located at 2011 S Brook St, Louisville, KY 40208. The conference is a prime venue for leading financial aid researchers and practitioners to network and share expertise with colleagues from colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. Access the tentative agenda here. Questions? Contact the Pell Institute team at [email protected].
register here

• $325 General (Early bird rate until May 15, 2026) • $375 General (Regular rate) • $125 Student (Undergraduate and Graduate)  *If registering as a student, a student ID will be required at check-in.

We offer a limited number of complimentary registrations and small travel stipends to graduate students, generously provided by our sponsors. To join the wait list, please email [email protected].

The State of Higher Education Opportunity: 2026 Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States

May 19, 2026,

Join the Pell Institute researchers on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET, for a webinar examining the latest data and findings from the 2026 Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States report. The conversation will unpack what the numbers reveal about the progress the United States has made in expanding access to higher education and attaining a bachelor’s degree.
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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