In the News
Several area colleges receive emergency grant funding for students in needClick here to read the news story
Springfield, MA,
May 11, 2021
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Amanda Callahan, Western Mass News
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Western Mass News is getting answers for college students in need. Schools in the region will receive nearly $90 million in emergency funding as part of the American Rescue Plan. Western Mass News spoke with two local universities on how they plan to use the money. Schools receiving this funding will divide the money between helping students directly and allocating funds to the university as a whole. Congressman Richard Neal announced that 12 colleges and universities in western Mass. will receive almost $90 million in emergency funding from the American Rescue Plan. It's funding Matthew Scott, American International College Vice President of Student Affairs, said will be put to good use helping students. “These payments are potentially the difference for them of being able to complete their degree now or having to wait and having to go back into the workforce before completing it,” Scott said. This federal money comes as a third round of funding to many institutions in order to help students throughout the pandemic. “Students are all unique, and they’re faced with various things, and unfortunately due to the pandemic what might have been their reality a year ago when they filled out the FAFSA, let’s say, might not be their reality right now,” Scott explained. Scott said their last round of funding was able to help more than 900 students. “Having this portion that goes directly to students that now they can apply to their bill if they chose to. They can take it and use it to pay their rent. They can take it to pay for their groceries,” Scott said. Congressman Neal hopes this funding will also help secure the future of institutions here in western Mass. He said in a statement part quote, “The success of our local colleges and universities is critical to the success of our students and to the strength of our community.” Holyoke Community College also one of the schools receiving funding, topping the list in the Massachusetts First District receiving more than $13 million. HCC Chief Financial Advisor Narayan Sampath said all registered students at the school will receive the money. “We’re not giving it with any strings attached to the funds. They get to decide what they want to do,” Sampath said. Students can contact their school for more information on how they can apply for an emergency grant. American International College: $5,686,696 |