Students attending EACC expected to benefit from latest round of stimulus

East Arkansas Community College students will benefit from new funding included in the recent federal stimulus package, according to a press release issued by the college.

The new stimulus bill includes $22.7 billion earmarked for colleges and universities.

“We are excited to hear that the recent stimulus bill includes funding for higher education,” said Dr. Cathie Cline, EACC President. “Although we do not have the full details yet, we do know that EACC will receive funds as part of the new law and we want to make sure that everyone is aware and has the opportunity to take advantage of this by enrolling in spring classes at EACC.”

The college previously distributed over $ 420,000 directly to students with CARES Act grant funds. Last spring, students received an average check of $840 with a distribution range of $160 to $1,050. With the additional summer funding, the maximum amount was as high as $ 1,290 in CARES funding distributions for some students, according to the college.

“At this time, we are not aware of the specific amounts students may receive from the new stimulus funding, but I would not expect this amount to be any lower,” said Cline. “I am hoping for it to actually be higher than what was distributed in spring and summer terms.”

The CARES distribution checks were based on the number of credit hours students were enrolled in per semester with an additional bonus for students with a low EFC (expected family contribution – a figure taken from the FAFSA to determine low income). Students were also required to be degree seeking and to have filled out a FAFSA. Almost 500 students attending spring and the first summer term received checks.

“EACC will do everything we can to include as many students as possible with the new funding,” said Cline. “With CARES, some colleges and universities only awarded funding to low- income or pelleligible students, but we chose to include all students allowable under the CARES Act. We realize that all students are struggling right now and their financial picture may have changed during the pandemic.”

Registration continues for the spring semester and classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Hours for registration are Monday through Thursday, 8 a. m. to 6 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p. m. After hours appointments are also available.

Students may register in person, online, via email, using Zoom, and by phone. Call 870633- 4480, ext. 252 or email advising@ eacc. edu to schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor. The course schedule for spring classes is available online at EACC.edu, click on the course schedule link.

“If you have been waiting for a sign to go change your life for the better, this is it. Whether you want to change careers, upskill, reskill, learn something you love or better educate yourself, now is the time to register for the spring semester,” said Cline.

EACC offers a variety of transfer, technical, vocational, and allied health programs. In addition to general college transfer courses, EACC is enrolling students in programs including auto body repair, auto service technology, cosmetology, criminal justice, education, commercial driver training, diesel technology, welding, major appliance service, residential heat and air conditioning, Emergency Medical Technology ( EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and more.