Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act

This bill creates a new program of "basic" and "emergency" grants to help college students in the student support services program cover living expenses during their first undergraduate year. Basic grants cover expected costs like housing and food, while emergency grants address unexpected costs that could force a student to leave school, such as sudden medical bills or transportation issues. Emergency grants are capped at $500 for the 2024-2025 academic year (with future increases tied to inflation) and can cover expenses beyond standard financial aid, including dependent care, transportation, and personal items. The grants cannot push a student's total financial aid above their cost of attendance by more than $500, and institutions must ensure these funds supplement, not replace, existing non-Federal support.