Austin Community College District (ACC) is helping students pay for college. ACC is launching a new federal financial aid program to support students impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with tuition support. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act will provide tuition dollars and financial relief for personal expenses. Applications are now open.

“When the pandemic first reached our region, we saw the devastating impact it had on students. At one point, approximately 60-percent reported they didn’t have a job,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC chancellor. “It remains more important now than ever that we help students get the education and job training they need. A big part of that is removing financial burdens.”

Students who are enrolled in classes this semester and have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply. Students still planning to enroll may also apply. Registration remains open for 14-, 12-, and 8-week classes. 

“Those who were already among the most vulnerable and underrepresented in our communities were hit the hardest,” says Dr. Shasta Buchanan, Student Affairs vice president. “These funds — like all our emergency aid — are designed to empower students to use them for their greatest priorities whether that’s food and housing, health care and child care, or tuition and learning materials. We want to ensure all students can stay on track, and worrying about paying for college shouldn’t be among their burdens.”

ACC will review all applications to match students with the best financial support option including CRRSA, ACC’s Student Emergency Fund, scholarships, and more. The college was previously awarded and has since distributed $6,953,900 for student aid as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. More than 6,600 students received an emergency aid grant from the CARES Act as of January 10, 2021.

Eligible students can apply for funds each full semester. Students in immediate need or those who face additional financial hardships are encouraged to contact sef@austincc.edu for guidance. For more information and to apply, visit austincc.edu/crrsa.