El Paso Community College (EPCC) announced Monday that the college can provide financial relief to students whose education has been impacted by COVID-19.
EPCC President Dr. William Serrata expressed his gratitude to the Texas Congressional delegation for their work on this legislation. The CARES Act will allow EPCC to provide monetary assistance in the form of grants that do not have to be paid back by students experiencing financial difficulties as a result of this crisis.
“More than 85 percent of our students receive some type of financial aid so even during regular times, a significant number of students were already experiencing insecurity in meeting basic needs such as food, housing and tuition,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created even more challenging circumstances for our students and funding from the CARES Act will help ease their burden.”
The college is among many Texas colleges that are receiving a portion of funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress last month.
As directed by the U.S. Department of Education, funding will be available directly to students who college officials say have been financially affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students will be able to apply for these funds starting Monday, January 4th.
EPCC’s Office of Financial Aid will be distributing funds to students based on the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education. According the Department of Education, this emergency financial aid can be used by students for course materials, technology, housing, food, childcare and other costs.
“This situation has been difficult for our entire community, especially our students,” Serrata said. “I am proud of how positively our students handled the unexpected transition to online instruction. This exemplifies how strong, determined and resilient EPCC students are and I hopeful this assistance will ease some of the financial burden.”
Officials with EPCC add that the college will make funds available to students on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is depleted. The college will send the funds directly to students, the student simply needs to apply.
Students can complete an application online and expect a response within 24-hours
