College of DuPage students receive Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds to address student equity gaps

College of DuPage students meeting eligibility criteria for federal financial aid now have access to nearly one million dollars through the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund.

Funded by the federal government's Education Stabilization Fund Program, Illinois' GEER Fund is designed to close equity gaps in higher education that have been intensified by the coronavirus pandemic.

These funds will support efforts to enroll and retain low income, underrepresented and first generation students who might not otherwise enroll or return to school due to COVID-19.

"Throughout the pandemic, we have been laser focused on targeting student support services to address the needs of our students," said College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo. "It is central to the mission of College of DuPage to provide accessible learning opportunities, and we seek to address barriers to access with the new GEER funding."

The college is making an extended effort to reach out to those eligible for GEER-funded assistance.

Eligible students may receive tuition and book assistance funding to continue enrollment in the fall and/or spring semesters, complementing the robust student support services already offered in light of the pandemic.

Illinois' GEER funding is the latest aid made available to College of DuPage students.

In the spring, the college received an additional $4.55 million through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist with institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction.

In addition, the COD Foundation launched the COVID-19 Emergency Student Relief Fund, which offered up to $500 to qualifying students adversely impacted by the pandemic.

"The continued success of our students at a time when their employment opportunities are limited is a priority," said COD Assistant Provost of Student Affairs Diana Del Rosario. "A COD education can make a difference with the type of career and employment opportunities students can secure in the current economy. Through the new GEER funding, we can further address equity issues that are exacerbated by the pandemic for those looking to enroll or return to college."

Eligible students will receive communication from the college.

For more information on GEER funds, students can email GEERS@cod.edu.