Broward College Launches CARES Student Emergency Aid Grant for Students Impacted by COVID-19 and Expands Student Access to Remote Learning

Fort Lauderdale, FL (May 20, 2020) – Broward College has launched the CARES Student Emergency Aid (SEAhawk) Grant to disburse federal emergency funding awarded to the College through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to assist students financially impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Of the $27 million received from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, approximately 50 percent will go directly to students who are struggling to meet basic needs, such as housing, food, health care, child care, as well as students who otherwise could not afford the course materials and technology necessary to support their learning. The College will utilize the remaining 50 percent to expand student access to remote learning programs, build information technology capacity to support such programs, and train faculty and staff to operate effectively in a remote learning environment.

The U.S. Department of Education allocated funding based on the College's population of students eligible for federal Pell Grants.

"This is an opportunity for the College to support our students financially and academically," said Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Services at Broward College. "Our priority is to make these resources accessible so that students can focus on their education and careers, even as they maneuver through the challenges they are currently facing."

Notifications were sent to all students on May 18, 2020. Students must apply by June 15, 2020, and meet the following criteria to receive the grant:

1. Enrolled in spring term sessions 1, 3, or 4 in a Title IV eligible degree. Students who withdrew from sessions 1, 3, or 4 before March 13, 2020, are not eligible for the grant.
2. Has a 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.
3. Maintained Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for spring 2020.
4. Resubmitted a statement of educational purpose and have their Social Security Number (SSN) verified if required.
5. Not a Dual Enrolled or Early Admission student during spring 2020.
6. Does not owe Pell overpayment and not in default on federal student loans.
7. Has additional expenses related to the disruptions of campus operations due to COVID-19.

To view additional details on the criteria, visit the Student Support Fund page.

Applications will be assessed on eligibility and need. Awards will vary from a minimum of $150 to a maximum of $850 based on the student's financial needs. The College expects to receive a high volume of applications and will review each meticulously. Students should expect to receive their aid within three weeks from the date of application.