UTEP to Provide More Than $12 Million in Emergency Assistance Grants to Help Students Continue Their Education
Last Updated on May 08, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Originally published May 08, 2020
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
The University of Texas at El Paso is now able to provide additional financial support to students who have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The University has received $12.4 million through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial assistance grants to eligible students. This money may be used to assist students with:
- Paying rent or utility bills due to the loss of income.
- Purchasing technology like a desktop or laptop computer, or Wi-Fi hotspot in order to complete online courses.
- Purchasing food or groceries.
- Paying unexpected medical bills.
- Paying for childcare-related expenses.
“The coronavirus pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for our students and their families,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “Our hope is that this funding will provide them with the support they need to remain committed to earning their degrees.”
Funding available through the CARES Act may only go to students who have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and received aid from UTEP. Students who have not completed a FAFSA are encouraged to do so to determine eligibility for additional funding that may become available. Students should visit utep.edu/utepcares/apply to learn more about the application process.
“We hope we can return to campus soon, but as we continue to combat the spread of COVID-19 in our community, we want all of our students to know that University faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting them through this – no matter how long it takes,” said Gary Edens, Ed.D., UTEP Vice President for Student Affairs. “We are working hard to provide our students with the quality education and enriching experiences they’ve come to expect.”
“I don’t think any of us could have anticipated the changes we’ve had to make because of COVID-19,” said Jessica Martinez, president of the UTEP Student Government Association. “While we are all still adjusting to distance learning and many other challenges, it is reassuring to see the commitment and abundance of resources the University is dedicating to support students across the campus.”
Students who are not eligible for CARES Act funds have opportunities for emergency assistance through a fund created by generous UTEP donors. The Paydirt Emergency Loan Program and UTEP’s Food Pantry are also available. Information on how to access these options, as well as other resources to further assist students academically and professionally, is available at utep.edu/utepcares.