WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — In its continuing effort to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania College of Technology recently distributed more than $7.3 million in emergency financial aid to current students.
Nearly 4,300 students received the federal grants allocated from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Two previous rounds of federal grants in response to the pandemic each provided $2.67 million to about 3,500 Penn College students.
For the HEERF III grants, eligible students were placed in one of three funding tiers based on their 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges and universities require the FAFSA to determine student eligibility for federal and state grants, federal loans and some scholarships. While the FAFSA was used to determine students’ tier levels, completing the application was not required to be eligible for HEERF III funding.
Students received grants of $2,400, $1,850 or $1,225 depending on their tier. In addition to current students, Penn College at Wellsboro practical nursing alumni who graduated on Sept. 9, 2021, were eligible for grant consideration. The monies were distributed to all recipients electronically on Nov. 10.
“We are extremely grateful for this third round of COVID-relief funding, and the positive impact it can make for our students,” said Jessica S. Hunter, director of financial aid. “We recognize many students have faced financial challenges during the pandemic. The increased allocation we received allows us to continue to prioritize our students with the most financial need while expanding the awarding across our student body.”
Grant recipients may use the funds for any component of their cost of attendance or for emergency expenses arising from COVID-19, such as tuition, child or family care, food and housing, and health care (including mental health).
More information on the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III at Penn College is available via the college’s COVID-19 Financial Aid Information website, calling the Financial Aid Office at 570-327-4766 or emailing finaid@pct.edu.
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