Harford Community College Receives CARES Act Funding

Harford Community College received Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grants from the U.S. Department of Education for $2,343,664 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. HCC will use the funding to address pressing student needs for emergency assistance and institutional needs to sustain the high quality of teaching and learning.

HCC will use $1,171,832 of the funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. The funding will help students offset emergency expenses related to housing, food, and education precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since submitting the grant, HCC has carefully planned for the disbursement of grants to eligible students in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations.

The College will use the remaining 50 percent of the grant to pay for institutional costs related to the disruption caused by the pandemic. For example, the grant may be used to improve the technology and infrastructure needed for remote learning and to enhance health protection and safety measures on campus. HCC leaders will decide on specific institutional expenditures upon receiving further guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.

“The coronavirus has upended the lives of students across our state. From the direct impacts on their health and wellbeing, to the substantial financial and emotional burdens, it has left few unscathed. These funds will provide targeted relief to students, and longer-term assistance to our colleges and universities, to help them weather this storm. Together, we will continue working to provide Maryland students with the assistance they need during this challenging time," said the Maryland Congressional Delegation in a joint statement announcing $170,544,958 in federal funding for Maryland’s institutions of higher education on April 13, 2020.

Dr. Jacqueline Jackson, Interim President of HCC, said, “Like students across the country, HCC’s students have been hard hit by this pandemic. Many are serving as caretakers for loved ones, or as essential workers on the front lines of our community—all on top of their coursework. The health and safety of our students is our highest priority; these funds have allowed us to support our students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being in these challenging times.”

Jennie Towner, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness, said, “Students are incredibly thankful for this emergency assistance. I’ve received many messages of gratitude since communicating our disbursement plans to students.” Trevor Jackson, Vice President for Finance and Administration, added, “Prior to the pandemic, the economy had already experienced a downward turn, so students and families have been impacted by this perfect storm. Fortunately, the Federal Government provided this additional funding to students and colleges to help during these challenging times.”

HCC has proven its strong commitment to supporting students through the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants and the Student Emergency Assistance Fund established through its Foundation to provide the additional resources students need to be successful during the pandemic. By providing this financial bridge to help with groceries, rent, and utilities, HCC can help students remain enrolled in classes and reduce the economic damage created by COVID-19.

If you are an HCC student with financial need, please contact FinAid@Harford.edu for assistance.