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CARES ACT Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) The federal government is providing special COVID-19 emergency grants to college students around the country. Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College has signed and returned to the Department the Certification, Agreement, and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The total amount received for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students is $198,761.00. As we prepare to distribute this funding to eligible students, we are sharing information to help you understand how you may be impacted. Students with Questions about the CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding should contact emergencyaid@kbocc.edu

What is the CARES Act?

On March 27, Congress passed the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security Act” (CARES) to provide economic relief to individuals for hardships experienced during the COVID-19 crisis.

How does the CARES Act Impact College Students?

The CARES Act provides colleges with funds to be distributed directly to eligible students for their “expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronaviruses, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, internet access, health care, and child-care expenses.” These grants are not taxable and not counted when estimated financial aid for FAFSA packaging.

Who is eligible for the CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds?

Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for Federal Student Aid can be considered for these funds. The Financial Aid Office will use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data to determine your eligibility. Under the U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, these funds can be awarded to students pursuing degree programs and enrolled at KBOCC. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Education does not allow these funds to be used for international students, undocumented students, non-matriculated/non-degree seeking students, or students enrolled in distance-only degree programs.

When will CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds be available?

KBOCC has received a total of $198,761.00 from the U.S. Department of Education and will distribute grants to those students who apply based upon third week enrollment status. Recipients will be notified via their KBOCC email account.

Why wouldn’t I receive a CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grant?

Under the U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, students who are not eligible for federal financial aid programs are not eligible for federal CARES grants. Students who have not yet done so are encouraged to work with the Financial Aid Office to fill out the FAFSA, which will help us determine eligibility for a CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grant.

Will CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grants be Applied to Outstanding Balances on my Student Account?

No, these grants will not be applied to outstanding balances on student accounts and are intended to provide immediately accessible funds to students.

May 13, 2020 UPDATE

Spring 2020 semester – 40 students are eligible to apply. 19 students received assistance in the amount of $32,200. To verify this assistance was received directly by students a signature is required upon receipt. Payments will available for pickup at the KBOCC Bookstore on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, and Thursday, May 21, 2020, from 3-5 pm. Those who cannot make it, please notify emergencyaid@kbocc.edu to make other arrangements.

June 1, 2020 UPDATE

Summer 2020 semester – 8 students are eligible to apply. 7 students received assistance in the amount of $2,083. To verify this assistance was received directly by students a signature is required upon receipt. Payments will available for pickup at the KBOCC Bookstore on Friday, June 19, 2020, from 2:30-4:30 pm. Those who cannot make it, please notify emergencyaid@kbocc.edu to make other arrangements.

July 14, 2020 UPDATE

Summer 2020 semester has ended, and all funding for student relief has been disbursed.

January 19, 2021 UPDATE

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College received an additional $34,283 from the U.S. Department of Education for student emergency relief and will distribute grants to those students who apply.

March 18, 2021 UPDATE

Spring 2021 semester – 53 students are eligible to apply.  Students who are eligible will be notified by email. Application period will be open from 3/18/2021 – 4/2/2021. For questions please contact  emergencyaid@kbocc.edu.

April 13, 2021 UPDATE

33 students received assistance during the Spring 2021 semester in the amount of $32,603. 

May 11, 2021 UPDATE

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College received $130,195 from the U.S. Department of Education for student emergency relief and will distribute grants to those students who apply. 

June 30, 2021 UPDATE

Summer 2021 semester – 33 students are eligible to apply.  Students who are eligible will be notified by email. Application period will be open from 6/30/2021 – 7/16/2021. 

July 19, 2021 UPDATE

26 students received assistance during the Summer 2021 semester in the amount of $23,250. 

October 27, 2021 UPDATE

All Fall 2021 KBOCC Students are eligible for funds. KBOCC will calculate the award for Fall 2021 semester based on student enrollment status as of October 21, 2021. KBOCC is using a 3-tier approach to prioritize students with exceptional financial need based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA.  To ease the burden on students and distribute these funds more quickly, an application will not be required. KBOCC has identified award amounts for all students and will notify them by email. (The below chart may change for Spring 2022 HEERF distributions).

January 10, 2022 UPDATE

87 students received assistance during the Fall 2021 semester in the amount of $55,825. 

February 21, 2022 UPDATE

All Spring 2022 KBOCC Students are eligible for funds. Current number of undergraduate students (as of 2/15/22) is 89.  KBOCC will determine the award for Spring 2022 semester based on student enrollment status as of 2/15/22.  KBOCC is using a 3-tier approach to prioritize students with exceptional need based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA.  To ease the burden on students and distribute these funds more quickly, an application will not be required.  KBOCC has identified award amounts for all students and will notify them by email.

April 20, 2022 UPDATE 

89 Students received assistance during the Spring 2022 semester in the amount of $52,800.   

December 31, 2022 UPDATE

All funds from the U.S. Department of Education Higher Education Emergency Student Relief Fund have been disbursed.