American Rescue Plan: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERFIII)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), was 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. ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Emergency fund available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
Vermont Technical College has been awarded an additional $1,654,021 to help students with expenses incurred as a result of disruptions caused by COVID-19. More detailed information regarding distribution of these funds are detailed below and will continue to roll out over the 2021-2022 academic year.
Funds Received May 2021 (HEERF3) Student Portion:
- Total amount of student funds Vermont Tech has received: $1,654,021
- Total number of aid applicants receiving Financial Aid HEERF3 Grants (as of August 16, 2021): 18
- Total number of aid applicants receiving Financial Aid HEERF3 Grants (as of October 1, 2021): 1,197
- Total amount distributed to students (as of September 10,2021): $18,000
- Total amount distributed to students (as of October 1,2021): $1,654,021
CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Public Disclosure Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students:
Under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES ACT, Vermont Tech has applied for and received federal aid through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Vermont Tech has signed and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement and intends to use, per federal law, no less than 50 percent to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
This part of the federal CARES Act provides emergency grants to students based on disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus for eligible expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care.
Per federal CARES Act reporting guidelines, Vermont Tech is pleased to provide the below information.
Funds Received January 2021 (HEERF2)
- Total amount of funds Vermont Tech has received: $485,703 (Additional)
- Estimated number of students eligible for federal aid: 1,043
- Total number of applicants who have received Emergency Financial Aid Grants (as of March 15, 2021): 557 (updated July 1, 2021)
- Total amount distributed to students (as of March 15, 2021): $485,703 (updated July 1, 2021)
- All funds have been exhausted to date. As of July 1, 2021, there are no more HEERF2 funds to distribute to students.
Funds Received April 2020 (HEERF1)
- Total amount of funds Vermont Tech has received: $485,703 (Original)
- Estimated number of students eligible for federal aid: 1,043
- Total number of applicants who have received Emergency Financial Aid Grants (as of June 3, 2020): 493 (updated December 31, 2020)
- Total amount distributed to students (as of June 3, 2020): $485,703 (updated December 31, 2020)
- All funds have been exhausted to date. As of June 3, 2020, there are no more HEERF1 funds to distribute to students.
Methods used by the institution to determine eligibility for Emergency Financial Aid Grants (first round):
- Students self-certify through an electronic application process they incurred unexpected expenses due to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
- Students can receive up to $2,100 of assistance, with students enrolled in less than six credits able to receive up to $525.
Methods used by the institute to determine eligibility for Emergency Financial Aid Grants (second round):
- Cares Act Application Extended to May 28, 2020
- Awarded $300 per applicant until funds were depleted
- First Come – First Served
Instructions, directions or guidance provided by the institution concerning Emergency Financial Aid Grants:
- Public Announcement was placed on the Vermont Tech Home Page May 6, 2020.
- Vermont Tech has created a web page for students to review eligibility information for the CARES Act funds with a link to the application form.
- A notification and link was also provided within CANVAS, the student academic portal, to provide notice to students the opportunity to apply for funds.
- Email notifications from both the President in the All Campus Update, and from Financial Aid were sent to students in this regard.
- The total amount of student funding is now expended as of May 21, 2020 (Updated on July 20, 2020)
CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Public Disclosure – Institutional Portion and Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP):
These required reports (PDF) demonstrate how and when Vermont Tech has applied its HEERF awards.
Vermont Technical College chose to make the difficult choice in 2020 to retain all employees during the reporting period even though there was a substantial loss of revenue and decreased enrollments. During this period, faculty and staff were diverted from their regular work in order to support the transition to, and support of, remote instruction. This work included installing and maintaining new software, training and supporting instructors and students, redesigning classes for remote or hybrid instruction, and increasing opportunities for faculty training. Subsequent HEERF resources were applied against COVID-related lost dorm/dining revenue and direct student outreach.
