“CARES” Act funds arrive at Tech campus

The first round of federal funding for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, has been released and Tri-County Technical College received $4.2 million,. According to the college. $2,1 million was immediately disbursed to eligible students. The CARES Act is federal legislation to provide funding to higher education to lessen the economic hardships that COVID-19 has placed on individuals and families. Colleges and universities are required to use CARES Act funds to provide grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID-19, including things like course materials and technology, as well as food, housing, health care and childcare. Colleges and universities must use at least 50 percent of funding for direct student aid and up to 50 percent for college operations.
To be eligible for CARES Act grants, students must meet the following criteria:
1) Students must have been enrolled at Tri-County Technical College on March 13, 2020 (the day the president declared a national emergency as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, which was also the last day of class prior to the transition to online learning)

2) Students must also be Federal Title IV eligible by meeting the following requirements:
a. Completed a 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with all requirements completed and demonstrated financial need
b. Have a high school credential
c. Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements: GPA of 2.0 or higher; maintain a 67% or higher completion rate; complete your degree/diploma/certificate within 150% of the required program hours of study
d. Be enrolled in an eligible program of study
DACA, dual enrollment, transient, non-degree and I-BEST students are not eligible for CARES Act grants.
Individuals who are Federal Pell Grant recipients will receive a one-time CARES Act grant of $1,000. Those who are eligible based on the above criteria but are not a Federal Pell Grant recipient, will receive a one-time CARES Act grant of $625.
In addition to CARES Act funding, Tri-County is making additional funds available to students through its newly established Workforce Completion Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to students whose academic pursuits were affected by the transition from in-person to online learning, unemployment or other life situations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tri-County Technical College Foundation made a $10,000 gift to the fund and the College has pledged up to $100,000 in matching dollars.
To make a donation to the Workforce Completion Fund, visit tctc.edu/give. Be sure to type “Workforce Completion Fund” in the notes section. Donors also can call (864) 646-1812.