$1M COVID-19 federal funding for Lamar State College Port Arthur

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  • Dr. Betty Reynard
    Dr. Betty Reynard
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In what is the first wave of federal funding to help offset COVID-19 financial losses, more than $1 million has been dedicated to Lamar State College Port Arthur through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

"This funding will impact students directly through cash grants," said LSCPA President Dr. Betty Reynard.

"This pandemic has been a disruption to everyday life for us all. Our students have seen their schedules upended and, yet, they've been diligent and dedicated to their schoolwork. I'm proud that we'll be able to assists our students through this grant in making their lives at least a little bit easier."
The $1,056,684 will provide cash grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their educations due to the outbreak, including things like tuition, course materials and technology, housing and other education-related items.

"We will work to distribute this grant as quickly as possible once we receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education," Reynard said. "Our first responsibility in any emergency situation is the support of our students. We know they are struggling on many different levels. We are thrilled that we will soon be able to offer a measure of reassurance with the concerns they have about their finances and being able to continue their education at Lamar State College Port Arthur."

Nearly $31 billion was earmarked by Congress for distribution to students in K-12 schools and higher education institutions under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

"What's best for students is at the center of every decision we make," said Secretary DeVos. "That's why we prioritized getting funding out the door quickly to college students who need it most. We don't want unmet financial needs due to the coronavirus to derail their learning."

The funding is expected to be distributed in the coming weeks and Lamar State College Port Arthur will develop a distribution plan based on the recommendations of the Department of Education.
"Our primary goal is to positively impact the greatest number of students at LSCPA with this grant distribution," Reynard explained. "And we will do that as quickly as possible."

An additional fund allocation is expected in the coming days, according to DeVos, for use by colleges and universities to meet their institutional and emergency needs due to the pandemic.