Emergency funds distribution reaches 344 students
LIBERAL, Kan. — Emergency stimulus money allotted to Seward County Community College has now assisted 344 students since $734,560 was dispersed from federal and state sources in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fully half is earmarked for direct aid to students. As of Sept. 25, SCCC students have received $276,554 of the total, with $90,726 more to be distributed.
“We will use no less than $367,280 as emergency assistance to students,” said SCCC Vice President of Finance and Operations Dennis Sander. The signed certification and agreement has been returned to the Department of Education, as required by law. Regular updates will track the use of all funds.
The college’s financial response team opened applications in late April in order to move the money quickly to students who need it. The first round of checks to 147 students was distributed the week of May 11. As of June 23, 255 students had received aid. By Aug. 11, that number had reached 277.
“We want to ensure our students who are experiencing hardship related to COVID-19 have access to the help intended for them, so we created an application process that is direct and simple,” said vice president of student services Celeste Donovan.
The swiftly-disbursed funds can be applied to students’ areas of greatest need, referred to by federal agencies as “relief of extraordinary needs owing to COVID-19,” provided that those needs are directly connected the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting their educational process. That may include daily living supplies and food, housing, transportation, child care, textbooks, technology, Internet access, and more, provided that these needs are demonstrably tied to the student’s educational situation changing because of COVID-19. Maximum disbursement is $1,500, and each student application is evaluated individually. The college originally counted 720 eligible students as potential recipients. That number has now increased to 1,034.
The DOE requires monthly updates about how the institution determined which students did or will receive aid, instruction, guidance, & directions provided to student. The reports can be viewed here:
COVID-19 CARES Act Financial Support Form HEERF 1st Round(4/16/20-6/18/20)
COVID-19 CARES Act Emergency Funds HEERF– Students 2nd Round(6/18/20-TBD)
COVID-19 CARES Act Emergency Funds – Students – 3rd Round (08:13:20-09:15:20)
###
Categories: ANNOUNCEMENTS, COVID-19 Response
Leave a Reply