Special to 1812Blockhouse
To assist students with financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University is distributing another $46 million in federal assistance for students.
The university notified more than 25,000 students this week that they are receiving block grants as part of the third round of emergency grants supported with federal relief funds. Eligible undergraduate, graduate and professional students who enrolled in summer or autumn semester 2021 will receive grants of $250 to $3,000, depending on their level of financial need. Students on all Ohio State campuses are eligible.
“We know that the pandemic continues to take a financial toll on individuals and families across our university community,” President Kristina M. Johnson said, “and we are deeply committed to doing what we can to ensure that these difficulties do not derail our students from achieving their academic goals. We are grateful that our federal partners have continued to prioritize relief for students, so Ohio State can again offer this important monetary support this academic year.”
Since the pandemic began, Ohio State has distributed more than $87 million to students in pandemic-related assistance from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which was initially created after the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In all, more than 39,500 students have received emergency grants.
The latest grants are funded through $57.8 million that Ohio State received for emergency student aid from the American Rescue Plan.
The funds distributed this week are based on financial need, in alignment with Department of Education guidance. Students may use the funds toward any component of 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.
Ohio State will use remaining funds to support students through the Together as Buckeyes emergency grant program, which uses an application process that considers students’ individual circumstances. In addition, a portion of the funding has been set aside to assist families who have experienced a significant change in financial circumstances since filing their FAFSA.
To apply for a Together As Buckeyes emergency grant, students need to complete a one-page emergency request form. Student Financial Aid will process applications after determining eligibility based on each student’s circumstances and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Source: The Ohio State University; Photo: 1812Blockhouse
