Community colleges put nearly $25M in students’ hands
HARTFORD — The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities announced on Wednesday the system has distributed more than $3.6 million to select community college students.
The emergency grants were in addition to money through the Student Support Program, which most recently allotted upwards of $21 million to all students at the state’s 12 community colleges.
“Many of our community college students are facing difficult financial situations, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said CSCU President Terrence Cheng. “In advance of the holidays and as students register for spring semester classes, these grants are a lifeline.”
More than 2,400 students applied for the latest round of funds and received $1,500 in direct payments. The grants can be used for expenses related to the cost of attendance, such as tuition, food, housing, health care — including mental health — and child care.
The emergency grants do not have to be repaid and were funded with federal pandemic aid.
The original relief payments, announced late this summer, provided students with support throughout the school year to encourage their continued studies. The dollar amounts varied by institution based on pre-pandemic enrollment and the number of students receiving Pell Grants, an indicator of financial need.
As of this month, the final disbursements have been delivered, CSCU announced on Wednesday. The total cost of the Student Support Program throughout several rounds of grants came to $86 million at the community colleges.
CSCU institutions received $151 million through the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief program to support students, including $64 million at the state universities.
“We truly appreciate our federal partners for looking out for students at our public colleges and universities,” said Cheng.