As part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Congress provided funding for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III). A portion of these funds were designated for emergency financial aid grants to students. In order to assist students in line with the US Department of Education guidelines, Athens State University is dispersing grants directly to enrolled students to assist with the cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care.
Students enrolled in the summer semester have received awards based on their financial need and credit hours, with students exhibiting exceptional need being prioritized. The grants help ensure that these students will be able to continue their education. Students are also able to apply for additional funding if they have need related to COVID expenses above their grant award.
This was only the first wave of funding from ARP. In the fall semester, the University anticipates awarding additional grants to enrolled students. Students were previously provided other grants in May 2020 and March 2021 as part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds.