From the Department of Education:
What is a Federal Pell Grant?
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree is usually earned after earning a bachelor's degree in a field such as medicine, law, or dentistry.) In some cases, you might receive a Pell Grant for attending a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate program.
Ok you got me there, but at least it is for self-improvement, unlike regular welfare. But with the education she gets, she will (hopefully) make more money, which will mean that the government will get more in taxes from her. So in the end, it is an investment.