CARES Act Report
This page provides information on HCC's CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, including the amount received by the college, its use and method for distribution.
Following is information related to Holyoke Community College's CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) award, and its use of to make emergency grants to HCC students. The information is provided in accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, which stipulates:
- An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution's Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Student.
- The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter).
- The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Acknowledgement
Holyoke Community College submitted the signed certification and agreement form for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to the U.S. Department of Education and certifies that no less than 50 per cent of the funds received will be used to provide emergency grants to students.
Funding
HCC will receive $10,495,019 from HEERF.
Distribution
As of December 31, 2023, $10,495,019 of the HEERF funds have been paid to HCC students.
Number of Eligible Students
The total number of students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are therefore eligible to receive an emergency financial aid grant is 8,008.
Number of Recipients
As of December 31, 2023, 8,008 students have received an emergency financial aid grant from the HEERF Student Portion.
Aid Distributed Directly to Students
As of December 31, 2023, $10,495,019 of the HEERF funds have been paid directly to HCC students.
Method of Determination
1. A block grant to all eligible students based on an estimated minimal incremental cost resulting from disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic based on:
a. increased technology cost required to transition to distance education
b. creating a learning space in the home to participate in online classes
c. the cost of procuring services, supplies, and materials previously provided by the college.
2. An application process where students could submit requests for reimbursement costs incurred related to the COVID- 19 disruption that exceeded the amount distributed as block grants.
Quarterly Report
January 1, 2022 - March 31, 2022
July 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021
December 31, 2020 – March 31, 2021
Inception - September 30, 2020
Annual Report
Instructions & Guidance
December 11, 2021, an email was sent to students providing information about CARES Act grant payments and eligibility.
June 28, 2021, an email was sent to students providing information about CARES Act grant payments and eligibility.
May 17, 2021, an email was sent to students providing information about CARES Act grant payments and eligibility.
October 27, 2020 an email was sent to students providing information about CARES Act grant payments and eligibility.
June 4, 2020 another CARES Act reminder was sent in the Need to Know newsletter.
May 21, 2020, a reminder email was sent to HCC students directng them to the CARES Act page on the HCC website.
May 7, 2020, HCC established a CARES Act web page with comprehensive information for students regarding eligibility and steps to apply for aid. An email was sent to HCC students pointing them to this page and information.
April 30, 2020, a student town hall was held to provide information and answer student questions regarding the CARES Act.
