A&M-Corpus Christi Begins Distribution of CARES Act Grants to Students
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – In just a matter of weeks, more than 2,700 applications have been received by the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Office of Financial Aid for federal financial assistance from its Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act fund.
The CARES Act provides federal aid to institutions of higher education to help students cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include areas such as food, housing, utilities, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare, and moving/transportation expenses.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi received $10.1 million, with at least half of the funding allocated for emergency financial aid grants for students. The University is awarding funding for the spring 2020 semester as well as upcoming summer and fall sessions. To benefit the most students possible, funding has been capped at $1,800 per eligible student.
Application reviews are being completed on an expedited timetable and will continue as long as funds are available.
“Handling these applications is not a cookie-cutter process,” Andy Benoit, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, said. “Our staff has read every single application and is considering each student’s individual needs.”
“CARES Act funding comes at a critical time for our students,” Benoit added. “Without this funding, many of our students would not be able to succeed to their highest potential. We want to assess each application individually because there are a variety of ways we may be able to help, but each case is unique and requires attention to detail concerning federal financial aid laws and what sources of funding each student is eligible to receive.”
The University is looking for other sources of aid to help students including institutional funding, additional state and federal financial aid, tapping into the student emergency aid fund, applying for additional grant assistance programs, and soliciting private donations.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi thanks Senator John Cornyn and the entire Texas Congressional Delegation for their efforts and leadership in securing these funds through the passage of the CARES Act.
“We are grateful to receive this funding on behalf of our students. We are doing everything we can to help them through this pandemic, and this funding truly makes a difference,” Dr. Kelly M. Miller, A&M-Corpus Christi President and CEO, said.
Visit the University’s CARES Act Student Relief Fund website for more information on eligibility, the application process, and frequently asked questions. Students must have a completed FAFSA on file with the University to be considered for eligibility. Applications received on or before Friday, May 15, 2020, will receive priority consideration as long as funds are available.
