In late December 2020, a second round of COVID-19 relief bills were passed, aimed at funding education. According to a Center for American Progress article, “The COVID-19 relief package provides approximately $22.7 billion to higher education—about one-quarter of its $82 billion in total education funding.”
With this influx in funding, how can students access this relief resource?
According to Senior Executive Director of the UCCS Office of Financial Aid, Student Employment and Scholarships Jevita Rogers, eligible students would receive these funds after filing their Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“Once we receive the funding allocation notice – that day would be when we would run a report to get those students with a FAFSA and are enrolled. Once we have that list – we will send an email to those students telling them about this grant and that if they have been affected by the COVID situation – they can request a grant to assist with those costs. They would then be asked to choose an amount and what they will be using the funds for – Tuition, Housing, Personal expenses or technology needs,” Rogers said via email.
She also explained that students would receive their money soon after they complete their request form. She stated, “The student will not need to submit any verification of what they need the money for — just the reason and then amount. Within 7-10 business days, the student will receive an email notification about the release of the funds.”
The University expects to receive the new grant money by the end of February, according to Rogers.
With this financial opportunity quickly approaching, Rogers suggests that students stay on top of their financial aid priorities. “We have limited monies so we will have a limited time to allow students to request these monies so as soon as you receive the email — if you are in need of financial assistance — please submit the form,” she said.
She also suggests that students continue to review their UCCS student account and keep up with financial aid deadlines. She stated, “Additionally, the UCCS Scholarship deadline and FAFSA priority filing date is coming up on March 1, so if you have not done so already — submit your 2021-2022 FAFSA at studentaid.gov AND submit your 2021 UCCS Scholarship application, which is available in your myUCCS student portal in the financial aid section.”
Be sure to finish up the scholarship applications and the FAFSA. Submit your financial aid applications and take advantage of your resources.
For more information, please visit finaid.uccs.edu or contact [email protected].
Photo courtesy of Savannah Waggoner and UCCS photo database.