USU starts third disbursement of COVID grants to students
Utah State University is continuing to give aid to students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The university opened its third cycle of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act emergency grants during the last week of October.
USU has dispersed over $6 million to 9,930 students.
The first disbursement took place at the end of the spring semester. The second disbursement was sent to students in July.
The CARES Act was passed by congress in March of 2020. The federal funding act was passed and signed by President Donald Trump on March 27.
Director of crisis communications Amanda DeRito said “CARES provides a bridge for students who are really struggling. And that is the purpose of the grant, to provide direct funding to students whose situations have been interrupted by the pandemic.”
USU received almost $17.5 million from the act and is allocating approximately $8.5 million to students.
Eligible students can receive up to $400 for the fall semester, in addition to the $300 technology grant offered at the beginning of the semester.
In the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic, everyone’s daily routine has been interrupted. The statewide quarantine, six feet distance regulations and mandatory masks mandates have made life difficult for students.
Multiple students have lost jobs or been put into stressful financial situations because of the pandemic.
CARES targets students who are in need of technology to continue schooling online, as well as students who have felt financial pressure due to the Coronavirus.
From USU’s website on the CARES Act: “Students must meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid, which includes having filled out a free application for federal student aid, or FASFA.”
Students who automatically qualify should have already received a notification via email. If not, students can apply using the university’s emergency assistance application.
There is a separate application for international students.
If students do not qualify for the CARES act, and are financially struggling, they can apply for the USU COVID-19 Student Emergency Hardship Resources Fund.