Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II)
Originally posted on March 1, 2021
First update on March 24, 2021
Most recent update on April 8, 2021
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II)
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), signed into law on December 27, 2020, gave the U.S. Department of Education funds to distribute to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II). Castleton University received funds to distribute to students to help with emergency expenses due to COVID-19.
Stage 1 Grants
Castleton University began awarding Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) grants on Monday March 1, 2021. Stage 1 of the HEERF II grants were awarded to students with exceptional need. Castleton University used the FAFSA EFC calculation to determine student eligibility to receive these awards. These grants provide direct financial support to students impacted by the coronavirus and COVID-19. Students are able to use these grants for any component of their cost of attendance or emergency costs due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, technology, healthcare or childcare.
Eligibility Requirements for HEERF II Stage 1 Awards
- Student must have completed a 2020-2021 FAFSA to determine need.
- Federal Pell Grant eligible students will receive priority.
- Student EFC must be less than $15,000 (*EFC status was originally set at $10,000. On March 16, 2021, this was expanded to those with an EFC status of $15,000).
- Student must be US citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Student must be currently enrolled in the 21SP semester at Castleton University at the time of the award.
- Funds were distributed directly to students via direct deposit to the bank account on record with the Vermont State Colleges or sent by check to the home address on record.
HEERF II – Stage 1 Award Summary
Between March 1 and March 16, 2021, $781,245 was awarded to 858 Castleton University students. Students were automatically awarded if they are currently enrolled in the 21SP semester at least half-time and have a valid 2020-21 FAFSA on file with an EFC below $15,000.
Award amounts varied between students based on their dependency status as well as their nursing status.
- Dependent non-Nursing students received $750. Students in this category: 578
- Dependent Nursing students received $975. Students in this category: 71
- Independent non-Nursing students received $1,200. Students in this category: 132
- Independent Nursing students received $1,560. Students in this category: 77
Stage 2 Grants
Following the Stage 1 process, a total of $97,172 remained for Stage 2 grants, awarded through an application process. On March 3, 2021, the application was made available to Castleton University students. Students who did not receive an automatic award but had exceptional need due to hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were encouraged to apply for funding. The application was available until all available funds had been spent. The award amount for applicants followed the same categorical guidelines used in the automatic awarding and were awarded on a first come first serve basis.
Grant recipients were notified by email. These grants provided direct financial support to students impacted by the coronavirus and COVID-19. Students can use this grant for any component of their cost of attendance or emergency costs due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, technology, healthcare or childcare.
Eligibility Requirements for HEERF II Stage 2 Awards
- Student must be US citizen or eligible noncitizen
- 2020-2021 FAFSA is not required
- Student must be a currently enrolled, degree seeking student in the 21SP semester at Castleton University at the time of the award.
- Castleton must receive a complete HEERF II application from the student to determine proof of need.
- Students receiving a Stage 2 grant will not have received a stage 1 grant.
- Students will elect to have funds direct deposited or applied to directly to their student account as part of the application process.
HEERF II – Stage 2 Award Summary
Between March 3 and April 8, 2021, $97,172 was awarded to 117 Castleton University students. Award amounts varied between students based on their dependency status as well as their nursing status. To date, all available funds have been distributed.
- Dependent non-Nursing students received $750. Students in this category:91
- Dependent Nursing students received $975. Students in this category:13
- Independent non-Nursing students received $1,200. Students in this category:10*
- Independent Nursing students received $1,560. Students in this category:3
[* One student only awarded $767 as there were no more funds available.]
Overall, Castleton University awarded a total of $878,417 to students between March 1 and April 8, 2021. The application was removed from the website on that date.
