Emergency relief is on the way

The federal government has made funding available to colleges through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. ESCC president Dr. James Shaeffer announced, “ESCC will distribute a portion of the funding directly to eligible students as emergency relief.”

The CARES act provides support to colleges and students during the coronavirus crisis. A portion of the funding will help ESCC continue operations by defraying expenses related to increased costs for instruction and student support and the safety of students and employees.

ESCC is distributing over $150,000 directly to 226 students through its financial aid system. The CARES act restricts student eligibility for the aid. For example, students enrolled only in online classes or who are ineligible for Title IV federal financial aid funds are not eligible for CARES support.

The U.S. Department of Education gave colleges some latitude in how much of the student funding to distribute immediately and how much to reserve for emergency grants. Dr. Patrick Tompkins, ESCC Vice President of Academic, Student, and Workforce Programs, said, “We decided to distribute 90% of the funds immediately in an effort to provide the maximum available dollars to students right away.” Each eligible student will receive $675.

ESCC Financial Aid Director Carole Read explained that “the grants to students are intended to assist with expenses incurred as a result of coronavirus-related campus closures, such as technology, food, housing, course materials, health care, and child care.” Students will receive their funds through direct deposit or by check in the next two weeks.

Questions may be directed to wlecato@es.vccs.edu.