Final Report updated September 30, 2020

RPCC signed the funding certification and agreement for the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 15, 2020 and plans to use the funds to provide the mandated amount of at least 50% of the emergency financial aid grants to students.

• RPCC will receive $481,842 (just over 50%) of the total Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) dollars allocated to the college for emergency student aid.
• As of May 13, 2020, $481,482 has been distributed to students.
• Approximately 1,294 students are eligible to receive an emergency financial aid grant.
• As of May 13, 2020, 1,294 students have received an emergency financial aid grant.
• All eligible students were awarded CARES Act funding.  Award amounts are $372.37 per eligible student.

Eligible students are defined as:

• students with active enrollment in a Title IV eligible program between March 1-31, 2020,
• students who filed a FAFSA no later than March 13, 2020, and • students who were eligible to receive Title IV funds within the spring 2020 semester

Students in the following categories are NOT eligible to receive the emergency funds:

• students who are incarcerated,
• students who are cross-enrolled and whose “home institution” is a non-LCTCS college, and
• students who were enrolled only in online courses prior to March 1, 2020.
• students who are full time employees of the college.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and were enrolled in two (2) or more LCTCS colleges during March 2020, the college with the most academic history (i.e., the college where you have earned the most credits) will award the funds. Students who fall into this category will receive one (1) payment.

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CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Student Eligibility Letter (sent by email)

Dear River Parishes Community College Student:

As a result of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. In efforts to stimulate the economy and to assist college students during this time, emergency financial aid grants have been allocated for students who meet strict eligibility guidelines as established by the United States Department of Education (USDOE).

Eligibility criteria are as follows:

• students with active enrollment in a Title IV eligible program between March 1-31, 2020,
• students who filed a FAFSA no later than March 13, 2020, and
• students who were eligible to receive Title IV funds within the spring 2020 semester.

Students in the following categories are NOT eligible to receive the emergency funds:

• students who are incarcerated,
• students who are cross-enrolled and whose “home institution” is a non-LCTCS college, and
• students who are enrolled only in online courses.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and were enrolled in two (2) or more LCTCS colleges during March 2020, the college with the most academic history (i.e., the college were you have earned the most credits) will award the funds. Students who fall into this category will receive one (1) payment.

Rest assured, we are working as quickly as possible to determine which students will receive funds based on the eligibility requirements as established by the USDOE. Currently, there is nothing for you to do. If you are eligible to receive funds, we will communicate directly with you through email. If you do not receive a follow-up email, it means you did not meet the USDOE’s eligibility requirements.

Please be sure to check your email daily for further communications regarding your eligibility for the CARES Act emergency financial aid grant.

Please stay safe, and we look forward to continuing to be your higher education institution of choice.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dale Doty
Chancellor – River Parishes Community College

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CARES Act Eligibility Confirmation- Communication (sent by email)

Dear River Parishes Community College Student:

This is a follow-up from the previous email about the CARES Act Student Emergency Grant that was sent to you. After a thorough review of the United States Department of Education’s (USDOE) eligibility criteria and your records at River Parishes Community College, you are eligible to receive a CARES Act emergency grant. This grant does not have to be repaid.

All River Parishes Community College students who are determined eligible will receive a one-time grant in the amount of $372.37. Based on several factors, grant amounts will vary by college, so family or friends that attend a different college may receive more or less than you.

We suggest you use these funds to continue attending college. That might mean buying a computer or internet service so you can attend online classes and take advantage of the many virtual student services River Parishes Community College has put into place, for example.

These funds should be available to you by May 15, 2020.

If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Please stay safe, and we look forward to continuing to be your higher education institution of choice.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dale Doty
Chancellor