EFSC students can still qualify for $1.7M in COVID-19 emergency aid through CARES Act

Eric Rogers
Florida Today

Eastern Florida State College will continue to distribute about $1.7 million in remaining emergency coronavirus aid to qualified students this fall, thanks to a multi-million dollar grant through the federal CARES Act.

Over 7,000 EFSC students have so far benefited from the $4.4 million fund, paid for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and granted to the school earlier this year, college officials said in a news release.

About $2.7 million has already gone to students struggling with basic expenses related to campus disruption caused by COVID-19, including housing, food, childcare and technology, the release said.

Students enrolled this fall may qualify for the remaining funds if they have not previously received a grant, meet general student financial aid requirements and have filed a 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

"Funding is limited and not guaranteed," the release said, "but the College hopes to assist as many Fall Term students as possible."

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In a statement, EFSC President Jim Richey said: "The pandemic continues to cause financial hardship for many of our students who are striving to continue their education. These grants can make an important difference in their lives and reflect our strong commitment to help them in every way possible."

Any funds not used this fall will be available for distribution in the spring, college spokesman John Glisch said.

Not all students are eligible for the grants.

Under federal criteria, dual-enrolled and international students, as well as those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, are ineligible. Students in the online Bachelor of Nursing program, transient students and non-degree students also fail to qualify, the release said.

Students can determine their eligibility and apply online using the CARES Act Student Emergency Funding link through the myEFSC Student Services portal.

Those who meet eligibility requirements and submit the application will also receive $25 for each registered fall class to help cover exam proctoring fees and other expenses, the release said.

Eric Rogers is the education watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Please consider subscribing to support important local news on education, business, crime and other topics you care about.

Contact Rogers at 321-242-3717 or esrogers@floridatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricRogersFT.