Central Coast colleges and universities getting funding to help students affected by COVID-19
(KION) Several colleges and universities around the Central Coast will be receiving federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Trump.
Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said the funding is to cover expenses related to COVID-19 disruptions and encouraged schools to prioritize students with the highest need.
Earlier this week, Congressman Jimmy Panetta and Congressman Mike Levin wrote to DeVos asking for quick disbursement of funds and clarification on how the funding can be allocated and used.
“I’m pleased that the Department of Education heeded our call to quickly distribute CARES Act funding for institutions of higher education. I will continue to push for official guidance on how these funds may be used so that they can best support students," Panetta said.
Central Coast schools are expected to receive:
- Cabrillo College: $4,027,260
- Hartnell Community College: $3,615,339
- Monterey Peninsula College: $2,415,633
- CSUMB: $8,459,727
- UC Santa Cruz: $19,327,201
- Gavilan College: $2,328,197
According to the Department of Education, the first wave of funding will be used to help students with expenses that include course materials, technology, housing, food, health care and child care.
More than $6 billion will be distributed immediately to colleges and universities to provide direct emergency cash grants to students, according to the Department of Education. The CARES Act will give nearly $14 billion to postsecondary education students and institutions.
