College of DuPage announces $10.2 million in federal funding for fall student grants
To help students in their pursuit of higher education during these challenging times, College of DuPage announces more than $10.2 million in grants is available for fall 2021 from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
As defined in the legislation, the CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need. The college will begin distributing funds as early as May.
After this first distribution, COD will open an online application by June 1 allowing eligible students to secure emergency support for educational and emergency expenses. These funds will serve as a relief for those who want to start or continue their education at COD but have financial gaps.
“The pandemic and its impact on industries nationwide has left many students adrift in their educational plans, with many more struggling financially,” said College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo. “We are proud to put these federal emergency relief funds to work and assist COD students from all walks of life in need of help.”
The college received a total of $20.6 million in CRRSAA funding to defray pandemic-related costs. Approved by the college's board of trustees, 50 percent of that amount will fund emergency grants eligible students may use for any component of their educational costs or for emergency expenses due to COVID-19, such as tuition, food, housing, health care or childcare.
COD leaders will use the remaining funds to offset expenses incurred due to the pandemic, including lost revenue, technology costs such as laptops and hotspots for loan to students. Funds also will be used to purchase safety products such as personal protective equipment, hand sanitizers and masks.
“Supporting our students in their educational pursuits remains our key focus,” said Board Chairman Christine Fenne. “This funding will be a welcome relief to many of our students and also ensures our ability to provide them, our faculty and support staff a safe learning environment.”
College of DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 21,000 students each term, it is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The college grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.