CARES Act funding is closed.  

CARES Act

South Plains College has received federal funding from the CARES Act which provides assistance for student expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.  Students can request funds in these categories:

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

 

How do I apply?

 

CARES Act funding is now closed.  If additional funding becomes available, students will be notified on how to apply.

 

 

Am I eligible?

  • You MAY be eligible for CARES Act funding if you are/were/will be enrolled in the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021 terms.
  • You are eligible to fill out a FAFSA due to Title IV eligibility.
  • You are in good academic standing with South Plains College.
  • International, dual credit, non U.S. citizen students and students enrolled exclusively in online courses prior to March 13, 2020 are not eligible for CARES Act funding.

 

CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions:

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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.

 

The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides more than $14 billion in emergency funding to higher education. Of those funds, more than $6 billion must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants (HEERF-student share) for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.

 

South Plains College will receive funds that will be provided directly to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child-care. The other half may be used by the college to cover costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction 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 CARES Act 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.  Awards will be based on your needs, but typically under $1000.  Students are encouraged to provide receipts for items to help justify the expenses.

Students will receive payment by direct deposit.  Any student applying for CARES 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.

 No, you will not need to repay any money received through this fund.

 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 CARES Act funding awarded to you will be paid to you directly, and it will not cover any outstanding balances owed to SPC. Any outstanding balance owed to SPC will remain the responsibility of the student.  Balances will need to be taken care of prior to enrollment for future semesters.

Per the IRS, these funds are not taxable; however, this also means that no deduction or credit can be claimed on them.

Read the Student Memo sent on April 28, 2020.

 

Have questions or need assistance?  Our staff is here to help.

Financial Aid:    finaid@southplainscollege.edu

Scholarships:  scholarships@southplainscollege.edu

Advising:  advising@southplainscollege.edu