More than 1,500 COCC students receiving CARES Act assist

School's share totals $3.18 million; $525 to $1,025 given per student

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A total of 1,565 students at Central Oregon Community College will receive a financial boost this week as the result of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The funds are coming from the built-in Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and administered by the college.

In all, the college was awarded $3,183,671, with 50% of that money guaranteed for direct student support.

Ranging from $525 to $1,025 per student, the grants were largely calibrated by prior financial aid needs at COCC. A majority of the grants will be disbursed by the end of the week.

The college also estimates that close to 140 additional students, whose spring term education was delayed by coronavirus constraints but who are enrolled for summer term, will likewise receive funding after the start of summer classes.

The balance of the HEERF dollars is designated to support institutional operations impacted by COVID-19, although colleges are able to choose to use the funds for additional student aid, as spelled out in a signed federal agreement.

"COCC's method of distributing dollars will help students who have higher levels of financial need and frequently do not have the option for grants or additional family contributions, so they have to fall back on loans," explained Alicia Moore, vice president of student affairs.

COCC received the fourth-largest disbursement of funds within the state's community college network, as calculated by a combination of percentage of federal Pell-eligible students and enrollment figures.

"We're so appreciative of the dedication of Senators Merkley and Wyden, who pushed to steer $116 million of the HEERF aid package to our state's 73 colleges, universities and community colleges," said Laurie Chesley, president of COCC. "It sends a clear message that all higher education in Oregon, particularly our 17 community colleges, are a key priority of our senators."

While CARES Act aid is not available to undocumented students -- despite State of Oregon and COCC regulations that allow those students to receive state and institutional financial aid -- the COCC Foundation and other Oregon associations have stepped up to help support those financial needs.

For more information, contact Alicia Moore, vice president of student affairs, at 541-383-7244 or amoore@cocc.edu.