As part of the CARES Act that was passed by lawmakers on March 27, 2020, institutions of higher education were allocated funds to be used to help offset the negative financial impacts of COVID-19. This allocation of federal money, referred to as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund was established for use by the colleges and universities themselves as well as by their students in the form of grants.
On April 14, 2020, Northland Pioneer College signed a certification and agreement form consenting to follow the legal requirements outlined for the use of these grant funds. As stipulated by the CARES Act, the college plans to use at least 50% of these funds or $321,569 as emergency financial aid grants to students. On April 24, 2020 we received notification of the availability of the CARES Act funds. The following information explains how we have used these funds thus far.
As of October 15, 2020:
- Total amount of CARES Act Grants distributed to students = $220,275
- Total number for students that have received grant funds = 134
- Northland Pioneer College determined student eligibility according to guidance received by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Student eligibility criteria along with application submission instructions was sent out to students on April 24.
