Stanislaus State students experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic have begun to receive emergency aid in the form of a grant from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Stanislaus State received $13 million from the CARES Act, of which $6.5 billion will be provided directly to students. More than half of Stan State’s 10,600 students received automatic grants ranging from $350 to $1,200 depending on their financial need and full-time or part -time status, to help defray costs associated with the transition of instruction and campus operations to remote modalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are intended to cover necessary expenses, including food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child expenses.
“Many of our students and their families have experienced job loss, food insecurity and other threats to their well-being because of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The CARES Act funds will provide much needed relief,” Stan State President Ellen Junn said. “Our generous supporters have graciously donated to the Warrior Food Pantry and Student Emergency Fund, and the federal assistance will enhance what we’ve been able to provide our students.”
The CARES emergency grants, which do not have to be repaid, are available to all currently enrolled CSU undergraduate, graduate and professional students who are eligible to receive federal financial aid, with the exception of students enrolled in fully online programs. Amounts awarded are based on each student’s documented financial need and in proportion to the financial difficulty faced as a result of COVID-19.
Students experiencing expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, are encouraged to apply for additional funds by May 21, via the Student Portal.
“Our hope is that all students who are eligible take advantage of these grants,” Junn said. “We want to assist as many of our students as possible.”