ANC students to receive CARES money in Sept.

Arkansas Northeastern College students enrolling this Fall will receive benefits from the third round of CARES Act money as early as September. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) is federal legislation (CARES, CRRSAA, and ARPA) that provides colleges and universities funding to assist students with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations and offers support for higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each school is allocated a certain amount, and it is up to each institution to determine how to best distribute the funding to students with consideration given for students exhibiting greater need. CARES funds received by ANC will be available to degree-seeking students who are non-high school students regardless of how many classes they take. The amounts available will be dependent on the enrollment numbers, but it is expected that Pell eligible students will receive approximately $800 each while non-pell students will receive approximately $600. Again, these amounts may be greater or less depending on how many degree-seeking students are enrolled. The funds will be given directly to students via check and can be used to help pay for tuition or other college or living expenses.

"This emergency grant aid will be a great benefit for students and will hopefully provide some financial relief to those enrolling for the Fall semester. These emergency grants will be substantial, and could even cover some part-time students’ entire cost of attendance,” said Dr. Chris Heigle, ANC’s Vice President for Student Affairs. ANC President Dr. James Shemwell says this grant could help those who do not qualify for aid. “The existence of this emergency grant aid provides a financial aid resource to students who might not otherwise be eligible for financial aid, such as adult students interested in starting a small business," said ANC President Dr. James Shemwell. "Depending upon the student's income eligibility, a student may be able to pay for all or most of the costs of our new one-semester Entrepreneurship program using these emergency aid funds," he added.

Students still have time to take advantage of this opportunity, but the deadline is fast approaching. “Registration remains open until August 11, 2021, so for those still unsure about attending this fall, there's still time.” added Heigle.