Arlington: TCC To Provide $35 Million In Grants To Students Impacted By Coronavirus Pandemic

Press release from the City of Arlington:

March 12, 2021

Tarrant County College (TCC) is continuing its commitment to support its financially vulnerable students during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring they can stay enrolled and work toward the completion of their programs.

TCC is scheduled to receive $49.7 million from the recently authorized Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) 2021, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II). Of that allotment, up to $35 million will be used to provide HEERF II student grants. This is a second round of federally supported financial assistance received by TCC since Spring 2020.

This grant is intended to expedite assistance to those most in need.

• Be enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour, or 16 contact hours if in a Non-Credit course
• Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) less than $8501; and
• Unmet need greater than $999

TCC leaders expect the $35 million in HEERF II funds to support approximately 35,000 student grants at TCC. Student grant awards are limited to Spring 2021, Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 terms in order to meet the January 2022 disbursement deadline. Once HEERF II grants are disbursed, a student’s continued or future enrollment is not a condition of receiving a HEERF II grant at TCC.
CRRSAA HEERF II grants are not considered financial aid and do not affect a student's current or future financial aid eligibility. Per guidance from the federal government, these grants will be distributed to TCC students with exceptional need, which will be identified by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Last year, TCC allocated more than $16 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to eligible students who experienced educational disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency grants were provided within 48-72 hours, on average.

TCC students who have faced financial hardship but do not qualify for a HEERF II grant can still apply for the TCC Student Emergency Assistance Fund.

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This press release was produced by the City of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.