HEERF I  

CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (Student/Institutional/FIPSE)

On April 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced funds made available through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) would be distributed immediately to colleges and universities to provide direct emergency cash grants to students. Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”).

On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education posted their reporting requirements for HEERF participating institutions. Each HEERF participating institution is responsible for providing this information in report format (the “30-day Fund Report”). In addition, these participating institutions are required to post the information listed below on the institution’s primary website. Accordingly, the following information will be easily accessible to the public and made available 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter.

NOTICE TO ENROLLED STUDENTS 

Eligibility criteria to receive funding under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act follows the Federal Student Aid Basic Eligibility Criteria as listed below:

• demonstrate financial need (for most programs);
• be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen;
• have a valid Social Security number
• be registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male
• be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program;
• be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds;
• maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school;
• agree to the certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA®) form stating that
  • you are not in default on a federal student loan,
  • you do not owe money on a federal student grant, and
  • you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes
• prove that you are qualified to obtain a college or career school education by
  • having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate;
  • completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law (or—if state law does not require a homeschooled student to obtain a completion credential—completing a high school education in a homeschool setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law); or
  • enrolling in an eligible career pathway program and meeting one of the "ability-to-benefit" alternatives described below.

https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements

HEERF II

On December 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 was signed into law. The U.S. Department of Education announced additional funding to be added to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as authorized by CRRSAA. This additional round of HEERF funding is referred to as HEERF II.

Under HEERF II, CiTi has received $62,576 to be issued to students with priority given to students with exceptional need. CiTi has also received $119,742 for the institution to use for HEERF approved activities such as defraying expenses associated with Coronavirus, transitions to distance education, personal protection equipment, students aid grants and scholarships.

HEERF III

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan, 2021 (ARP), Public Law 117-2 was signed into law. The U.S. Department of Education announced funding to be added to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as authorized by ARP. This additional round of HEERF funding is referred to as HEERF III. 

Under HEERF III, CiTi has received $159,520 to be issued to students with priority given to students with exceptional need. CiTi has also received $159,519 for the institution to use for HEERF approved activities such as defraying expenses associated with Coronavirus, transitions to distance education, personal protection equipment, students aid grants and scholarships. Additionally, institutions receiving funding from ARP are required to implement evidence-based practices to monitor and suppress the spread of Coronavirus and conduct direct outreach to financial aid applicants about the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a family member or themselves due to Coronavirus.

HEERF Grants and Scholarships Available to Students 

HEERF II COVID-19 Related Financial Hardship Grant

Effective 4/26/2021 through 6/30/2021, current CiTi Adult Offerings students may apply for a HEERF II COVID-19 Related Financial Hardship Grant. The grant will be funded through a portion of the HEERF II student funds allocated to CiTi via the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) and will follow all regulations and guidance as put forth under CRRSAA, by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Government. HEERF II funds are intended only to cover any cost component of a student's cost of attendance (COA) or emergency costs that arise due to COVID-19 such as tuition, food, housing, transportation, personal expenses (clothing and personal hygiene items) health care (including mental health), childcare. Funds are limited and the grants will not exceed $1,000.00 per student.

Requirements: 

1. Current enrollment in a Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 program at CiTi 
2. Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or an eligible noncitizen
3. Have submitted at 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov for CiTi to review and have on file
   • Have an estimated financial contribution (EFC) of $0.00 to $1,428.00, signifying exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA
   • If a significant change in income occurred in 2020 due to COVID-19, the student may submit their 2020 tax returns and letter explaining the change. The Financial Aid Advisor will use professional judgement to determine if the EFC should be recalculated. Changes in household income not related to COVID-19 will not be considered
   • Documentation confirming change may be requested

If you are interested in applying, please complete the attached form and return to Amie Abold or your instructor. If you do not have a FAFSA on file, please complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA at fafsa.gov and enter CiTi’s Federal School Code: 012783.

Questions regarding this grant should be directed to Amie Abold at aabold@citiboces.org

Higher Education Economic Relief Fund Student Grant

The Higher Education Economic Relief Fund Grant (HEERF Grant) is available to students of CiTi Adult Health Occupations programs and Adult Career and Technical Education Program, who meet the following eligibility requirements. Please note that exceptional financial need as indicated by a students estimated family contribution as determined through completion of a FAFSA at studentaid.gov will be prioritized.

Eligibility:

1. Applicants must be enrolled on or after March 13, 2020
2. Students must be enrolled in a CiTi Adult Health Occupations program or Adult Career and Technical Education Program.
   • Students who graduated from a CiTi Adult Health Occupations program or Adult Career and Technical Education Program between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 may apply for this grant until 12/31/2021
   • Former students who did not graduate from their program are not eligible
   • CiTi will not provide a HEERF Aid Grant to a student who has withdrawn or been terminated
3. Emphasis will be placed on financial need when awarding. Applicants will be reviewed so long as eligible HEERF student portion funds are available. Priority will be given to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, other DREAMers, and similar undocumented students over international students.

Application:

1. Complete 2021-2022 FAFSA at studentaid.gov and designate CiTi as a recipient of FAFSA. School Code: 012783. To complete this FAFSA, you will need your taxes for Tax Year 2019 (1/1/2019-12/31/2019). If a 2020-2021 FAFSA was provided to the school during your enrollment, you do not need to resubmit a FAFSA.
2. If due to Coronavirus, your household experienced a substantial change in income in Tax Year 2020 (1/1/2020-12/31/2020), you may resubmit the FAFSA using the 2020 Tax Year. CiTi will receive both FAFSAs for evaluation.
3. Email finaid@citiboces.org stating you have submitted a FAFSA. If you have submitted a FAFSA for both the 2019 and 2020 tax years, please indicate so in your email. You will be contacted by the financial aid office via email for further information regarding the cause in of the reduction in your household income. Acceptable causes include loss of or reduction of work, illness or death of earner. CiTi reserves the right to request documentation.

Notice: Current and enrolling students: Students receiving an award will be notified after the start of their program. Students who have not already completed their program must be in actively enrolled at time of payment. This award should not be considered when determining your ability to cover your cost of attendance. Additionally, you will be asked to certify that you will use this award toward components of your cost of attendance. Qualifying components include tuition payments, fees, books, personal hygiene supplies, healthcare (including mental health), housing, transportation, and childcare. Awards are based on eligibility - not per program.

Application Deadline: 4/19/2022

Your FAFSA(s) and supporting documentation must be received by 4/19/2022 - FAFSAs can take up to 7 business days to be received by CiTi.

Awards:

This grant is funded through HEERF II & III – Student and Institutional portion.

Higher Education Economic Relief Fund Student Scholarship

The Higher Education Economic Relief Fund Scholarship (HEERF Scholarship) is available to students of CiTi Adult Health Occupations programs and Adult Career and Technical Education Program, who are enrolled during the 2021-2022 school year with a 2021-2022 FAFSA on file.

Funding is limited and each program has been assigned a portion of the funds. The maximum amount a student may receive is set as follows:

This scholarship will not exceed the tuition balance. Students accepting student loans may receive refunds of their Pell/Student Loan payments. No student may receive an overpayment of this scholarship. Pell and WIOA Workforce grants will apply to tuition first, followed by this scholarship then student loans (based on eligibility).

Students are eligible for one scholarship. If a student is not eligible for a full scholarship - they may not use the balance on another program.

Awarding of scholarships: Scholarship consideration for accepted students will begin 21 days prior to their program’s start date. FAFSAs will be reviewed and awards will be offered as follows: Awards will first be offered to students showing the greatest need as determined by the FAFSA. If all candidates have equal need, awards within the need level will be issued on a first come, first serve basis as determined by program acceptance date. Applicants accepted to program 20 days or less prior to start of program will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis. If multiple students are accepted on the same day, students with the greatest need will be awarded first.

Scholarships are funded through HEERF II & III – Institutional Portion

HEERF REPORTS and UPDATES

HEERF 30-day Report

• An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
• CiTi has completed and submitted the Funding Certification Agreement on April 13, 2020. Fifty percent (50%) of funds received are allocated solely for direct student emergency assistance.

• The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
• The CARES Act – Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund has allocated CiTi funding in the amount of $125,152, of which 50% is allocated solely for direct student emergency assistance. On April 30, 2020, CiTi has received $62,576.

• The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
• CiTi has identified students that have transitioned from in class instruction to distance learning incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus and would receive a set amount of emergency funding as calculated by the institution. Students must also have filed a FAFSA, have a valid ISIR on file and be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Students must meet these conditions for consideration for CARES Act HEERF Funds.
• CiTi has identified 25 eligible students who are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 
• At this time, 18 of the students eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act have received a total of $35,100 of CARES Act funds.

• Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
• CiTi will post information and updates regarding CARES Act HEERF funding on www.citiboces.org. Students who are eligible and have received emergency funding will be notified via email with the following information:
• The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27th, 2020.  The CARES Act established and funded the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.  Below are two links to websites that provide answers to frequently asked questions about the emergency financial aid grants to students. The HEERF funding is not a financial aid award, it is emergency relief funding from the federal government that does not need to be repaid. 

U.S. Department of Education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/studentfaqs515.pdf

Internal Revenue Service: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-higher-education-emergency-relief-fund-and-emergency-financial-aid-grants-under-the-cares-act

HEERF Report update 7/14/2020

At this time, funds have been issued to students who were enrolled in a Title IV eligible program in March 2020. CiTi is holding the remaining funds and is prepared to disburse to students in the event CiTi must close its physical locations due to COVID-19 in the 2020-2021 school year.

• Since the previous report, the remaining 7 students who were eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act received funds.
• At this time, CiTi has distributed a total of $43,050 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

HEERF Report update 8/28/2020

There have been no new disbursements since the previous update on 7/14/2020. As we prepare to return to in person instruction in the fall, CiTi continues to hold the remaining CARES funds allocated for direct student emergency assistance as we anticipate switching to a distance learning model if infection rates suddenly increase in the area.

HEERF Report Update 10/12/2020

There have been no new disbursements since the previous update on 8/28/2020. Our Fall 2020 Medical Assisting, Nurse Assisting and Practical Nursing programs have started and CiTi continues to hold the remaining CARES funds allocated for direct student emergency assistance as we anticipate switching to a distance learning model should COVID-19 infection rates rapidly rise in our county. 

HEERF Report Update 1/5/2021

Covering time period of 10/1/2020 through 12/31/2020:

CiTi’s Dental Assisting program began on 10/26/2020 with in-person classes. Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in our community, Health Occupations programs have made the switch to virtual learning. To assist our students with this transition, CiTi has disbursed CARES Act 18004(a)(1) Student Portion funds to 27 eligible students, totaling $19,526. With this disbursement, CiTi has depleted the Student Portion of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds. 

18004(a)(1) and 18004(a)(3) dollars reimbursed CiTi for returned tuition in programs that were canceled. Further losses were incurred as programs were not able to run or had to run with reduced enrollment. For these losses, 18004(a)(3) dollars were used to reimburse CiTi, however an application has been made for additional funding as losses surpass CiTi’s HEERF award amount.

Please review our CARES HEERF Quarterly Report January 2021 Updated 4.5.2021 form below. 

*As a result of receiving further guidance, corrections to this report and narrative were made on 4/5/2021.

HEERF Report: Update 4/5/2021

Covering time period of 1/1/2021 through 3/31/2021:

During this time period, no financial aid grants were made to students as the student portion of the 18004(a)(1) funds were previously expended.

CiTi received the requested additional 18004(a)(3) dollars to compensate for lost revenue due to programs not running and reduced enrollment and applied the dollars accordingly.  Laptops and software were purchased to facilitate learned using 18004(a)(1) and 18004(a)(3) dollars.

Please review our CARES HEERF Quarterly Report April 2021 form below. 

HEERF Report: Update 7/7/2021

Covering time period of 4/1/2021 through 6/30/2021:

 During this time period, CiTi received CRRSAA student funds and began planning how to ensure students with the greatest financial need will receive the funding. Late in this quarter, CiTi received ARP student funds as well. CiTi is currently making adjustments to our fund distribution plan and will be posting information on how students can receive funding and who is eligible in the coming days. 

CiTi is in the process of reviewing requests for additional funding due to hardship caused by the effects of the coronavirus.

Please review our HEERF Quarterly Report July 2021 form below to see how our institutional funds were expended during this quarter. 

HEERF Report: Update 10/8/2021

Covering time period of 7/1/2021 through 9/30/2021:

During this time period CiTi awarded:

• $29,825 in scholarships using the Institutional portion of CRRSAA.
• $41,250 in Student Aid Grants using the Student portion of CRRSAA
• $1,750 in Student Aid Grants using the Institutional portion of CRRSAA

CiTi is continually reviewing student FAFSAs for potential student aid grants and scholarships.

Please review our HEERF Quarterly Report October 2021form below to see how our institutional funds were expended during this quarter. 

HEERF Report: Update 1/10/2022

Covering time period of 10/1/2021 through 12/31/2021:

During this time period CiTi awarded:

• $7,700 in Student Aid Grants using the Student portion of CRRSAA

CiTi is continually reviewing student FAFSAs for potential student aid grants and scholarships. We have reached out to former students to ensure they have had a chance to apply for HEERF funds. 

As we move closer to the end of the school year, CiTi is continually evaluating the needs of our students and what we can do to provide assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please review our HEERF Quarterly Report January 2022 form below to see how our institutional funds were expended during this quarter. 

HEERF Report: Update 04/08/2022

Covering time period of 01/01/2022 through 03/31/2022:

During this time period CiTi awarded: 

• 60-70 students received a total $137,250 in Student Aid Grants using the Student portion of CRRSAA and ARP according to the following chart

HEERF Report: Update 07/08/2022

Covering time period of 4/1/2022 through 6/30/2022:

At this time, CiTi has spent all Higher Education Economic Relief Funds.

During this time period CiTi awarded:

• $14,393.70 in Student Aid Grants using the Student portion of ARP
• $13,606.30 in Student Aid Grants using the Institutional portion of ARP

Please review our HEERF Quarterly Report July 2022 form below to see how our institutional funds were expended during this quarter.