CARES Act Emergency Grants (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - HEERF)

CARES Act Emergency Grants

Funder: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education

Program Status: Closed/Historical - Multiple award cycles from Spring 2020 through Spring 2023

Geographic Scope: Eastern Iowa (three EICC campuses: Scott Community College, Clinton Community College, Muscatine Community College)

Focus Areas: Emergency financial assistance for students experiencing unexpected expenses related to campus disruption caused by COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled in credit courses at EICC for the relevant semester
• Must have a FAFSA on file
• Must meet federal financial aid standards
• Exclusions: High school students, guest students, non-degree-seeking students
• Priority given to Pell Grant-eligible students with demonstrated financial need

Award Criteria

Awards were calculated using a two-factor formula:

1. Demonstrated Financial Need (based on EFC/Expected Family Contribution or Pell eligibility)
2. Enrollment Status (full-time, 3/4-time, part-time, less than half-time)

Types of Eligible Expenses

• Course-related fees (online course fees)
• Technology needs and equipment
• Childcare costs
• Lost wages due to COVID-19 impact
• Other emergency expenses related to campus operations disruption

Award Cycles and Amounts

• Spring 2023: $240-$307 (Pell-eligible health program students only)
• Spring 2022: $300-$850
• Fall 2021: $275-$275
• Summer 2021: $100-$200
• Spring 2021: $50-$650
• Fall 2020: Varying amounts based on enrollment status

Disbursement Method

• Automatic disbursement via BankMobile using student-selected preferences
• Direct deposit or check pickup at college business office
• Students could apply funds to outstanding balances if desired (not required)

Contact Information

EICC Business Offices at any campus location
East Locations: Scott, Clinton, Muscatine Community Colleges

Background

Funding authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and subsequent HEERF legislation to help students with emergency expenses during campus disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Application Process

Automatic Disbursement: Students did NOT need to submit formal applications. Eligibility was determined automatically based on EICC student records.

Key Steps

1. Enrollment Requirement
   • Ensure enrollment in credit courses for the applicable semester
   • Enrollment data pulled on designated dates (e.g., March 17 for Spring 2022, September 20 for Fall 2021)
2. FAFSA Submission
   • Must have completed FAFSA for the academic year
   • Financial aid office uses FAFSA data to determine financial need levels
3. Automatic Award Calculation
   • EICC Financial Aid Office automatically calculates eligibility using:
   • EFC (Expected Family Contribution) or Pell Grant eligibility status
   • Current credit hour enrollment
   • No student application form required
4. Notification and Disbursement
   • Students notified of award amounts (typically week before disbursement)
   • Awards posted to student accounts on designated dates
   • For students with outstanding balances, EICC notified them of opportunity to apply grant to balance (optional)
5. Fund Reception
   • Direct Deposit: Automatic to student-registered bank account
   • Check: Available for pickup at college business office (typically within one week of posting)

Required Documentation

• Valid FAFSA on file
• Current enrollment in credit courses
• Valid student record at EICC

No Additional Materials Needed

• No essay or narrative required
• No separate application form
• No proof of expenses required
• Eligibility determined entirely by institutional records