What is the CARES Act and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law that provides economic relief for students adversely affected by COVID-19. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund, which allocates money to colleges for emergency financial aid grants to eligible students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.
What is a CARES Act Emergency Grant?
The grants are for students who have experienced additional expenses due to COVID-19. The CARES Act directs colleges to prioritize students who demonstrate high need when awarding funds.
Grant funds can help students pay expenses due to the disruption for technology, health care, childcare, course materials, rent, food, moving or other expenses. Funds are also for unanticipated expenses for the 2020-21 academic year due to the impact of COVID-19.
Who is eligible for funds?
The federal government has established eligibility criteria that students must meet in order to receive CARES Act Emergency Grants. Only students who are eligible for federal aid and have a financial need can be considered.
How can I apply for a CARES Act Emergency Grant?
At this time, no action is needed by the student. Dallas Barber and Stylist College will be disbursing grants to all qualifying students already enrolled. New enrollees will automatically be considered for the Cares Act Grant upon enrollment, but will have to be enrolled for 30 days to be eligible to receive the grant.
When will CARES Act Emergency Grants be available?
The grants are currently available at this time. They will be awarded to eligible students until all of the available CARES Act Emergency Grant Funds have been awarded. If additional funds become available through new legislation, we will reopen the disbursements to eligible students.
Will all students receive a CARES Act Emergency Grant?
No. While generous, the amount of grant funds awarded to Dallas Barber and Stylist College is not sufficient to support all students. Dallas Barber and Stylist College is following federal eligibility criteria. Students must be eligible for federal aid and demonstrate a financial need in order to be considered.
We have developed a plan to help as many students as possible while still awarding an amount that is meaningful. Students with the highest demonstrated financial need will be given priority.
If I receive a CARES Act Emergency Grant, am I eligible to receive additional CARES Act grants in the future?
A student will receive one (1) grant in the amount of a $1,726 for the 2020-2021 academic year. They will be awarded to eligible students until all of the available CARES Act Emergency Grant Funds have been awarded. If additional funds become available through new legislation, we will reopen the disbursements to eligible students.
Are students from all courses eligible for CARES Act Emergency Grants?
Yes, provided they meet the federal eligibility criteria.
How will Dallas Barber and Stylist College disburse the funds?
The awards will be made through the usual student refund process. The funds will not pay any existing balances. The full amount of the grant will be delivered to students based on their direct deposit or check reimbursement method that is on file with UTA.
Will the funds first go toward paying any outstanding charges on a student’s account?
No. The CARES Act Emergency Grant will bypass any outstanding charges or debt and go directly to the student.
Will Dallas Barber and Stylist College take into consideration a student’s academic standing?
Yes. Dallas Barber and Stylist College will focus on students who are in good standing and on track to finish their degrees. The College does not intend to disburse awards to students who are not in good academic standing.
What emergency relief funds are available for undocumented or international students?
Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Education does not allow CARES funding to provide grants to every student at this time.
Will there be CARES funds for the entire 2020-21 academic year?
Currently, our plan is to assist as many students as possible with immediate needs. Beginning with students enrolled July 1, 2020 and on students are eligible for assistance for the 2020-21 academic year.