The federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability) Act has allocated $2.7 million to Fredonia to distribute to students who were directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during the spring semester.
So far, the Fredonia CARES Committee has awarded a total of $466,650 to 430 students. The six-member committee, comprised of representatives from Advancement, Enrollment and Student Services, Finance and Administration, Financial Aid and Information Technology Services, meets each week to review applications.
Disbursements to students have ranged between $100 and $1,500. The average award is approximately $1,100.
Financial Aid Assistant Director Jeremy Corrente describes the online application process as easy to use. “Students check toggle boxes that relate to their circumstance, and are prompted to write a description of why they are requesting money as it relates to how they were impacted due to the disruption of campus operations tied to COVID-19,” Mr. Corrente said.
Students who were registered in the spring 2020 semester received emails through their Fredonia email address with instructions on how to apply.
A formula that assesses a student’s need and incurred expenses determines the value of each grant. Fredonia sends the money to students through direct deposit or by check.
Allowable expenses that a student can claim include food, housing, technology and computer, health care, course materials, dependent care and transportation. CARES funding cannot be used for tuition, fees, unpaid bills from Fredonia or loss of income.
Priority is given to undergraduates who are eligible for Federal Pell Grants, indicating they have the highest overall need for assistance and limited resources.
CARES Act applications are to be submitted as soon as possible. Students who are not PELL-eligible may be considered if CARES Act funding is available after grants are awarded to PELL-eligible students, Corrente explained, so all students are encouraged to submit an application.
More than 1,800 students who are eligible to receive CARES grants have been notified by the Fredonia CARES Committee. It will continue to meet until all funds are disbursed.
More information is available online. Students may also call 716-673-4710.
