Are you a CTC student with expenses related to the disruption of CTC operations due to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic while enrolled in a CTC course at one of the Texas locations (Central Campus in Killeen, Fort Hood, and/or Service Area) or at one of the CTC sites located outside Texas or in Europe? If so, you may qualify for an emergency financial aid grant under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES Act). (CARES) Act. 

Students enrolled exclusively in online courses are not eligible to receive an emergency financial aid grant under the CARES Act. 

CARES Act Emergency funding is available for eligible CTC students who are enrolled in one of the class formats listed below.

Blended (Hybrid)—Instruction is mostly online with some in-person classes or due to COVID-19 the in-person portion was moved online.

Real-Time Virtual--Instruction is live online with the students and instructor meeting on regularly scheduled days and times in a virtual environment.

On-Campus—instruction is provided face-to-face on campus at specific days and times but due to COVID-19 modifications were made.

For more information about the three class formats above, please visit the CTC webpage at https://www.ctcd.edu/academics/class-schedules/class-formats/ .

What kinds of expenses are allowable?

Expenses need to be directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.  Here are some examples:

• If a student needs a laptop, hotspot, camera, etc. because the college moved to online courses this may be considered an allowable expense.
• If a residence hall student, who moved out of the hall because of the closure, experienced higher rent and food costs than the residence hall room and board rates, this may qualify as an allowable expense. 
• If a student worked on campus and the job was suspended because the college changed operationally due to the coronavirus, funds may be used to pay for expenses previously covered by the lost income.   
• Students who used CTC childcare services may now have increased costs because the college closed the facility. If a student is required to pay a higher fee for childcare services than that charged by the CTC child development center, this may be an allowable expense.

Note: If you or a family member lost your job and cannot afford to pay for books, that expense would not be allowed because it does not relate to the college’s change in operations.

Central Texas College signed and returned to the Department of Education the Funding Certification and Agreement with the assurance that the institution intends to use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants to eligible students. Central Texas College received $4,544,176 in total funding, which includes an allocation of $2,272,088 for emergency student aid grants. As of December 17, 2020, CTC has awarded  972 grants to students totaling  $1,224,750. Based on eligibility criteria, the estimated number of CTC students who could be eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Aid Financial Aid grant are 5,144.

CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) Reports

Eligibility

• Students enrolled exclusively in online courses as are not eligible to receive an emergency financial aid grant under the CARES Act. 
• Applicants must provide an explanation of expenses related to the disruption of CTC operations due to COVID-19. 
• Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. If a student has filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 the HEA. Please Note: You do not need to be awarded federal financial aid to apply for the CARES Act. However, you must complete a FAFSA if you have not already done so.
• Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Undocumented students and international students are not eligible.
• Students must have a high school diploma, GED, or have completed high school in an approved homeschool setting. ECHS or other dual credit students are not eligible. 
• Male students must be registered with Selective Service.
• If eligible, students can only receive one CARES ACT Emergency Aid grant.

Students not eligible for Cares Act Emergency Financial Aid Funding may qualify for Eagle Aid, which is designed to help students experiencing unexpected financial issues based on a documented need. Eagle Aid Funds are paid directly to vendors (examples: utility, car repair, etc).

Process

• Please submit the CARES ACT Emergency Student Aid application via  using your student Etrieve. Students must use their student ETrieve log in (not the guest user log in) to access the form.
• Awarding of funds is made on a first-come-first-serve basis and while funding is available. The maximum amount awarded per student is $1500.00.
• Applications are evaluated by a reviewer who verifies application data to determine if a student is eligible for a grant.  Submission of an application does not guarantee an award will be made.
• Results or requests for additional information will be communicated via ETrieve and/ or a student’s Eagle Mail.
• If a student is awarded emergency financial aid, the funds will be disbursed as follows:
  • Electronically to the student's bank account. It is recommended the student review his or her current bank information in Eagle Self Service under Financial Information.
  • If an approved bank account is not on file, a check will be mailed to the student at the current address on file with CTC. It is recommended the student review his or her current address in Eagles Self Service by accessing User Options in the menu on the left and clicking User Profile.

CARES Act Questions and Answers

What is the CARES Act?

The CARES Act is federal legislation which provides a variety of financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. One part of this federal program allocates money to Central Texas College, and a portion of that allocation can be awarded to students who are experiencing financial expenses because of the campus disruption in operations due to the coronavirus. 

What kinds of expenses are allowable?

Expenses need to be directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.  Here are some examples:

• If a student needs a laptop, hotspot, camera, etc. because the college moved to online courses this may be considered an allowable expense.
• If a residence hall student, who moved out of the hall because of the closure, experienced higher rent and food costs than the residence hall room and board rates, this may qualify as an allowable expense. 
• If a student worked on campus and the job was suspended because the college changed operationally due to the coronavirus, funds may be used to pay for expenses previously covered by the lost income.   
• Students who used CTC childcare services may now have increased costs because the college closed the facility. If a student is required to pay a higher fee for childcare services than that charged by the CTC child development center, this may be an allowable expense.

Note: If you or a family member lost your job and cannot afford to pay for books, that expense would not be allowed because it does not relate to the college’s change in operations.

***Funds can be used for food, housing, course materials, technology or childcare expenses. However, all expenses must to be tied directly to a specific change in how the college is operating due to the coronavirus. 

How much can I apply for?

Students are eligible for a maximum one-time award of $1500.

How do I apply?

Students should submit their application for CARES Act emergency financial aid via ETrieve.

Does the money need to be repaid? 

No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.

Would this funding reduce my financial aid? 

No, this fund does not reduce, negate nor replace financial aid. It is a one-time grant.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have questions or need more information, email CaresAct@ctcd.edu.