Students Passing Up Millions

(AP)- A new study shows qualified Florida students are passing up millions of dollars in federal Pell grants because they haven't bothered to apply for them. The report was presented Thursday to a committee of the Board of Governors, which oversees Florida's 11 state universities.

In 2005, an estimated 22,000 needy students left $24 million in Pell grant money untapped, according to the board's staff analysis.  Students from families with incomes below $40,000 a year are eligible. The committee took no action, but board officials say they are looking for ways to help students apply. They also want to encourage high school counselors to spread the word about the federal grants. The board is meeting at Florida A&M University.