The Federal Cares Act allocated money to CCV that students could use for emergency expenses due to COVID-19. As of March 2021, all HEERF I funds have been spent. Please refer to the Cares Grant or Fresh Start Grant for current student support.
What is the CARES Act?
The CARES Act is federal legislation which provides a variety of financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One part of this legislation allocates money to CCV, and a portion of that allocation is dedicated to emergency grant awards for students who are experiencing expenses because of the disruption in campus operations due to the coronavirus.
What kinds of expenses are allowable?
Expenses need to be directly related to the changes in college operations due to the coronavirus. Here are some examples:
- A student needs a laptop or internet service because the college courses moved online.
- A student had to change hours at work because of changes to campus operations and needs help to meet housing expenses and/or avoid food insecurity.
Funds can be used for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or child care. These expenses need to be tied directly to a specific change in college operations due to the coronavirus.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible if:
- You are pursuing a CCV degree or certificate;
- You are enrolled for the Spring 2021 semester;
- You have filed a 2020-2021 FAFSA and are eligible for federal financial aid. If you have not filed a FAFSA, you can get a list of steps on our financial aid page, or you can connect with the financial aid counselor at your local CCV academic center.
- You have incurred expenses because of the interruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Does the money need to be repaid?
No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.
How do I apply?
You can apply in one of two ways:
- Connect with the financial aid counselor at your local CCV academic center, or
- Submit an online application
Awarding is made on a case-by-case basis. For the Spring and Summer 2020
semesters, the maximum award amount per student was $1,500. For the Fall 2020 semester, the maximum award amount per student was $750. For the Spring 2021 semester, the maximum award amount per student is $1,000.
Unfortunately, aid is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students seeking funding based on enrollment in the Spring 2020 semester were accepted through July 1, 2020. For the Summer 2020 semester, the deadline was August 16, 2020. For the Fall 2020 semester, the the deadline was December 31, 2020. There is no deadline for Spring 2021 funding.
Once you submit your request, you will receive an email notification and next steps within 1-2 business days. Aid is sent to you within a week of your request either via check or electronically if you have set up direct deposit to your bank account.
How do I know I’m eligible for federal financial aid?
The easiest way to determine that is by completing a 2020-2021 FAFSA. Section 484 of the Higher Education Act determines eligibility for federal financial aid. Among other criteria, it includes:
- Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Unfortunately, CCV’s undocumented students and international students are not eligible.
- Students must have a high school diploma, GED, or have completed high school in an approved homeschool setting. CCV students in the Early College program or those still in high school taking dual enrollment courses are not eligible.
- Students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program.
- Male students must be registered with Selective Service.
- Students cannot be in default on any federal education loans.
Will this money reduce my financial aid?
No, this money does not reduce or replace financial aid.
What if I’m not eligible?
Please call 802-262-6557 or email the CCV financial aid counselor at your local academic center. CCV has other options like the Life Gap or Student Assistance Fund (SAF) programs that may be able to assist you. These funds can provide CCV students with money to assist with urgent, compelling, or unexpected needs.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please call 802-262-6557 or email the CCV financial aid counselor at your local academic center.