Revised: August 30, 2023

Previously published as CARES and CRRSAA

FEDERAL RELIEF FUNDS HAVE EXPIRED.  IF YOU HAVE AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR EMERGENCY RESOURCES, PLEASE CONTACT HEALTH & WELLNESS ON THE LEVELLAND CAMPUS OR THE ADMINISTRATOR AT YOUR LOCAL CENTER. 

American Rescue Plan (ARP) 

Due to the limited funds remaining, all requests are being vetted for emergency need prior to application.  If you believe you have an emergency need, please see the How do I apply for assistance? section below.

 

South Plains College has received federal funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) in accordance with the American RescuePlan Act, 2021 (ARP).  ARP (HEERF III) provides assistance for student expenses related to the continued disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.  Students can request funds in these categories:

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Child Care
  • Food Assistance
  • Housing Assistance
  • Medical Care (including mental health)
  • Transportation
  • Additional Course Materials (textbooks, access codes, etc.)
  • Technology Assistance (computers, internet, etc.)
  • Other Expenses (expenses that do not fit in above categories)

SPC will use a rubric to determine immediate needs.  Each application will be assessed on the funding categories identified and the need levels.

 

 How do I apply for assistance?

ARP funds require vetting prior to application.  For the vetting process, please contact the dean or director at the Lubbock Career & Technology Center, Reese Center, Lubbock Downtown Academic Center or Plainview Center or the Health & Wellness Department on the Levelland campus if you are an online or Levelland student. 

 

 Am I eligible?

Revised: May 18, 2021

  • You MAY be eligible for ARP (HEERF III) funding if you are enrolled at SPC any time from March 13, 2020 forward.
  • You are in good academic standing with South Plains College.

 ARP (HEERF III) Frequently Asked Questions:

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 The American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP) is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.

 ARP includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides an additional $36 billion in emergency funding to higher education. A significant portion of these funds must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants (HEERF III-student share) for expenses related to the to the COVID-19 crisis.

 South Plains College will receive funds that will be provided directly to students for their expenses related to the coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, child-care, and payment of current term tuition and fees. The other part of the allocation may be used by the college to cover costs associated with significant changes in operations due to the coronavirus.

 We are committed to assisting all eligible students that may have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to the greatest extent possible with the ARP (HEERF III) funds available. The actual amount each student will receive is based on the number of applications received and the funds available.  Students will be served on a first come, first served basis with priority given to those students with the greatest need.  Awards will be based on your needs as identified on an application.  Students are encouraged to provide receipts for items to help justify the expenses.

Students will receive payment by direct deposit.  Any student applying for ARP (HEERF III) grant assistance must ensure their direct deposit designation in Texan Connect is accurate.  If a student does not have a direct deposit designation a check will be mailed out.  It will take longer for the student to receive funds if they do not have a direct deposit designation. If you need assistance setting up your refund choice, please contact the Business Office at (806) 716-2400 or at businessoffice@southplainscollege.edu.

 No, you will not need to repay any money received through this fund.  At this time, it is uncertain how ARP (HEERF III) funds will noted on the 2021 or 2022 IRS Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement).

 No. This is an emergency grant to help you manage unexpected expenses related to the coronavirus, and it will not have any impact on other financial aid you have or may be eligible to receive.

 Any ARP (HEERF III) funding awarded may be applied to an account beginning with spring ARP (HEERF III) funds will be reported on your 2021 or 2022 IRS Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement).  

Per the IRS, these funds are not taxable; however, this also means that no deduction or credit can be claimed on them.  Also, it is uncertain the impact of reporting of funds that are applied to your account to cover tuition and fees.  At this time it is uncertain how the funds will be reported on your 2021 or 2022 IRS Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement).

Read the Student Memo sent on February 9, 2021 and May 18, 2021.