CARES Act Funds for Students

CARES stands for the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act and was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. The purpose of this Act is to provide economic relief to millions of Americans through direct assistance to individuals, families, and businesses. Part of the CARES Act includes the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). HEERF provides funding to institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted, many of whom are facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet.  HCC has been awarded $455,905 to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.

The College has signed and returned to the Department of Education the required Certification and Agreement and assures that the College has used no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Students do not need to apply for these funds, however, students will need to have completed the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

To be eligible for these funds a student must:

• Be a degree or certificate seeking student enrolled in the fall 2020 semester.
• Meet Title IV eligibility requirements such as being a US Citizen, having registered for selective service if a male, and not being in default on a student loan.
• Have a complete 2020-2021 FAFSA on file with HCC.
• Be in good standing academically.

We plan to mail checks the end of the week of September 28.

Funds will be distributed by check mailed to the students address on record.

Students must acknowledge that they are using the funds to offset the cost of expenses incurred due to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and/or child care.  Students are sent notification with the check that indicates by accepting the funds they acknowledge the funds will be used as such.

Student inquiries can be directed to Ashley Wolber 815-599-3519 or email FinancialAid@Highland.edu.

• Fall 2020 semester full-time students (registered in 12 or more credits) will receive $250.
• Fall 2020 semester less than full-time students (registered in 6-11 credits) will receive $125.

No, only students who meet the eligibility requirements will receive these funds.

No, CARES Act funds cannot be used to cover any tuition/fees charges that are currently outstanding at HCC.  The CARES Act requires institutions to provide these funds directly to students.  Even with the student’s permission, HCC cannot apply the funds to a student account for the purpose of paying a balance due.  These funds must be used to offset the cost of expenses incurred due to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and/or child care.

If the student isn’t able to use the funds to cover such costs, he/she should email payments@highland.edu for return instructions. Checks must be cashed or returned within 60 days of receipt.

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), Highland Community College has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds Section (a)(1) and Section (a)(2). Institutions are to publicly report on the use of the funds by posting a quarterly budget and expenditure report to the College’s website.

View Highland Community College’s report for the quarter ending September 30, 2020. Please note this report includes expenses incurred from the date of the first award (May 6, 2020) through September 30.

Highland Community College’s report for the quarter ending December 31, 2020.