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Northland Community & Technical College

ARP Emergency Grants

COVID-19 at Northland

ARP: American Rescue Plan (HEERF III)

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 12, 2021, Northland Community & Technical College began disbursing Student Aid funds to students via both automatic and application grants. The funds are from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and are governed by federal guidelines.

First Disbursements to be made the week of October 11, 2021

  • $750 to $1,500 disbursement to each enrolled student who are Pell Eligible or has an EFC of 19,750 or less as determined by the results of the 2021-2022 FAFSA – approximately 948 students
  • No action required
  • Total estimated first disbursement – $1,293,000

Second Disbursements to be made the week of February 14, 2022

  • $250 to $1,175 disbursement to each enrolled students who are Pell Eligible or has an EFC of $19,750 or less as determined by the results of the 2021-2022 FAFSA – approximately 916 students
  • No action required
  • Total estimated second disbursement – $912,450

Emergency Grant Awards

  • These grants will require an application that includes documentation or a statement of need.
  • Students who have experienced financial difficulty or hardship related to COVID-19 may apply for an ARP Financial Assistance Emergency Grant.

Students who meet the following federal eligibility requirements may receive one or more types of ARP funding:

  1. Must be a new or returning student actively enrolled in a degree-seeking program in Fall 2021 in any online, hybrid, or face-to-face credits, or non-credit course.
  2. Have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

    Must NOT BE one of the following:
    • Enrolled in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
    • Enrolled via Concurrent Enrollment/College in the High School
    • Visiting or non-degree-seeking student
    • Student utilizing the senior citizen tuition rate
    • Student participating in 100% employer-funded courses
    • Minnesota State system employee utilizing an employee tuition waiver
    • Currently incarcerated

Two Types of Student Aid

No Action Required

Base grants will be distributed automatically to eligible students based on financial need information from the student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student must be Pell eligible or have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $19,750 or less to qualify for the base grant.

  • Who will receive this award?
    All students who meet the eligibility requirements outlined above and were enrolled in fall 2021 courses at Northland as of October 8, 2021 or time of disbursement.

    For the spring of 2022 funds, all students who meet the eligibility requirements outlined above and were enrolled in spring 2022 courses at Northland as of February 10, 2022 or time of disbursement.
  • How much will be awarded to students eligible for the base grant?
    Each student eligible for the base grant will receive an automatic award based on EFC as determined by the results of the 2021-2022 FAFSA to be issued via check or direct deposit beginning on October 12, 2021. Here are the award levels for fall 2021 grants:
    • Pell Eligible    $1,500
    • EFC ($5,847-$10,000)    $1,250
    • EFC ($10,001-$15,000)    $1,000
    • EFC ($15,001 – 19,750)    $750

    Each student eligible for the base grant will receive an automatic award based on EFC as determined by the results of the 2021-2022 FAFSA to be issued via check or direct deposit beginning on February 15, 2022. Here are the award levels for spring 2022 grants:
    • Pell Eligible    $1,175
    • EFC ($5847-$10,000)    $850
    • EFC ($10,001-$15,000)    $500
    • EFC ($15,001 – 19,750)    $250
  • How will students know if they are receiving a ARP base grant?
    Students who are eligible were emailed on October 11, 2021, about the award and disbursement date. Students may also log into their student eServices and check their Financial Aid Award screens on or after October 11, 2021. Students with direct deposit should see funds in their bank account beginning October 12, 2021.

    Students who are eligible for a spring 2022 award were emailed on February 11, 2022, about the award and disbursement date. Students may also log into their student eServices and check their Financial Aid Award screens on or after February 11, 2022. Students with direct deposit should see funds in their bank account beginning February 15, 2022.
  • How are EFC and Pell Eligibility determined?
    Pell eligibility and a student’s EFC are both determined through a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student can view their EFC score by logging into their FAFSA for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Due to high demand, the application for spring emergency grant assistance has been closed.

Application Required

The second type of grant, ARP Financial Assistance Emergency grants, are available by application only. Students who have experienced financial difficulty or hardship related to COVID-19 may apply for an emergency grant.

Grant funds may be used toward any component of the student’s cost of attendance (including tuition, fees, books, housing, food, etc.), for healthcare including mental health, or for unexpected or emergency costs that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately $364,817 20% of total funds available was allocated to this category of funding.

  • How do students apply for this grant?
    Students must apply for this funding through an application process. Students can submit their application online (or can request a paper application if preferred).
  • Are fully online student eligible to apply?
    Yes.
  • If a student receives a ARP base grant are they eligible for a ARP financial assistance emergency grant?
    Yes.
  • How much will be awarded to each student?
    If approved, each ARP Emergency Grant will be up to a maximum of $1,000. $1,000 is the maximum per student award per term.
  • How and when will students be notified of their application status?
    Students will be notified of their award status via email within 8-10 business days after submitting their application.
  • How will funds be disbursed?
    Checks will be mailed to the student’s address on file if direct deposit has not been set-up. Students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit in e-Services under the Financial Aid tab.

Notes on Financial Assistance Emergency Grants:

  • Maximum award of $1000 per semester (This is separate from the automatic base grants and that amount does not count towards this $1,000 maximum.)
  • Applications may take 8 to 10 days to review
  • Students must meet eligibility criteria outlined in application
  • You may be asked to provide documentation or receipts of expenses

Total American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds Available to Northland students: $2,791,361

  • Northland Community & Technical College has allocated 60 percent of the funds to be awarded and disbursed in the fall of 2021 and the remaining 40 percent to be awarded and disbursed in the spring of 2022.
  • Spring award amounts will be determined in mid-February 2022 based on actual enrollment with a goal of disbursing block grants in mid-to-late February.

American Rescue Plan Spending:

  • $2,300 in July 2021
  • $0 in August 2021
  • $0 in September 2021
  • $1,384,950 in October 2021
  • $186,050 in November 2021
  • $79,450 in December 2021
  • $4,000 in January 2022
  • $912,450 in February 2022
  • $222,161 in March 2022

As of March 17, 2022, Northland Community and Technical College had fully disbursed all American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds of $2,791,361.
Fall 2021 spending: $1,656,750 (59% of funding)
Spring 2022 spending: $1,134,611 (41% of funding)
Base Awards/Grants: $2,223,700 (80% of funding)
Emergency Financial Assistance Grants: $567,661 (20% of funding)

Students Served:

1,283 students have received American Rescue Plan funds.