"What College Admissions Offices Really Want"

No. Pell is just included along with the grants given by the college (and/or state). Student contribution would be summer work and during-school work-study job. I think Harvard expects about $4k per year from the student specifically, even when the family finances result in their expected contribution being zero.

However, if a low income student gets a merit scholarship, Pell is stacked on top of that. Just not with need-based aid.