Lakeland Community College has announced that it will distribute another round of emergency grants to eligible students. As of July 7, 2021, over $2.8 million has already been given directly to Lakeland students to help defray costs associated with college.

The funding comes via the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides COVID-19 relief to students under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

This funding was included as part of the federal stimulus package signed into law Dec. 27, 2020. Students may use the grant toward the cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that they've incurred due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, medical and mental health care, technology or child care.

The grants are available to all enrolled students (excluding College Credit Plus). Students do not need to be a financial aid recipient to receive assistance but are encouraged to complete the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for additional federal, state and local funding opportunities.

Lakeland first distributed emergency grant funds in May 2020 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act specifically intended to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. The campus closure forced most on-campus classes to shift online, which led to a number of unforeseen emergency expenses for students. Many who rely on campus resources such as computer labs, Wi-Fi, food pantry, child care, etc., unexpectedly had additional costs in order to continue the semester entirely online.

"We're excited to make these federal dollars available to students," said Melissa Amspaugh, senior director for enrollment operations. "Students simply need to fill out an online application to answer a few questions about why they need the money."

The application for fall semester, which begins Aug. 21, will be available Aug. 2, 2021.

For more information about HEERF and to apply, visit https://lakelandcc.edu/web/about/stimulus-grants-heerf.

By: Jessica Novak