West Chester University To Receive Emergency Funding

WEST CHESTER —West Chester University is among recipients of Emergency Education Relief Funds to be used for implementing state mandated health and safety plans.

State Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) announced this week that more than $1.1 million in emergency relief funds would go to West Chester and Cheyney universities.

Comitta said West Chester University would receive $353,678 and Cheyney University would receive $750,000 of the governor's designated $28 million in emergency funds for education.

"The top priority for the upcoming school year is our students' safety," Comitta said. "We still have many challenges ahead, but this funding will support a return to safe instruction, whether in-person, remote, or a mixed approach. Students, faculty and staff can be assured that our public universities will be better prepared and equipped to handle the impacts of the pandemic."

The Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds are dedicated to postsecondary institutions and adult basic education providers across Pennsylvania to assist them in implementing public health and safety plans to help resume operations in the fall. These funds come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) and are authorized by the governor.

GEER funds may be used for, but not limited to, the purchase of protective equipment, hand sanitizer and cleaning products, equipment or technology to take classrooms online, installation of barriers or other protective devices in buildings, or to purchase health apps to assist in contact tracing and monitoring of student health.