Dear Carroll College Students,
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the hardships – financial and otherwise – presented by this global crisis continue to be felt deeply and widely by our students, their families, and many others in the Carroll community and beyond.
Carroll College is pleased that Congress is providing additional support for higher education in the face of COVID-19. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), was signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) and the Coronavirus, Aid, Recover, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students total $76.2 billion. By law, the designated amount for student distributions must be distributed directly to students in the form of grants to assist in dealing with financial burdens related to disruptions caused by COVID-19. Under HEERF III, $1,205,678 will be distributed to Carroll students.
The initial round of HEERF III funds were issued to summer degree-seeking students on 7/14/21. A total of 179 students were identified and received either $500 or $1,000.
The second round of HEERF III funds will be distributed on 10/1/21 to 652 students based on their EFC (expected family contribution). Amounts issued varied from $500 to $3,000 with a total distribution of $1,057,000. Please note, if the funds are issued to you by paper check, you have 30 days to cash your check from the date of the check, or the check will be voided, and the funds will be issued to a different student.
The remaining HEERF III funds of $45,178 are available based on an application process. Students must apply to receive these grants. Beginning Thursday, September 30, 2021, students can apply for funding using the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) Grant Request Form (Carroll ID required). Applications need to be filled out completely.
These funds are intended to help defray the costs related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic (cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care). Since these funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with weight being given to student need, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Funds will be awarded with priority consideration given to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Please also note, you DO NOT have to have file a FAFSA to be eligible for funding under the application process.
Members of the Student Emergency Relief Fund Oversight Committee will begin reviewing applications to determine grant distributions from the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Requests will continue to be reviewed by the Oversight Committee on a rolling basis until the HEERF III funding has been exhausted.
The well-being and success of our students remain our top priority, and we are committed to doing all that we can to support you during this challenging time. Please check your Carroll email for updates and communications on a regular basis. If you have questions, please contact the Business Office at buor@carroll.edu or 406-447-5429. Please know I am keeping each of you in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you have a very successful fall semester.
Sincerely,
John E. Cech, Ph.D.
President
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERFIII) Grant Request Form