WVC to receive $2.4 million in pandemic relief funding

WENATCHEE - Wenatchee Valley College will be receiving Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. Funds are expected to arrive this week. The CARES Act, which was passed by Congress on March 27, will provide aid to students and help the college cover COVID-19 related expenses. WVC will receive approximately $2.4 million from the federal government through this legislation.

Of the funding being allocated to WVC, 50% of that funding (approximately $1.2 million) is for student emergency aid. This funding will provide direct emergency cash grants to college students whose lives and educations have been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.

The funds must be spent within one year of allocation and be used for current and future students.

Per federal guidance, WVC will develop its own system and process for determining how to allocate these funds. Funds can be used to assist with tuition, fees, books, technology needs, course materials, food, housing, gas, unexpected auto repairs, daycare and other expenses.

Students who are experiencing financial hardship may qualify for emergency aid. Learn more at wvc.edu/Counseling.

“We want to prioritize students with the greatest need and get them help right away,” said WVC President Jim Richardson, “but at the same time we want to ensure that these funds are distributed widely to benefit as many students as possible.”

The Department of Education is also working to allocate the remaining 50% of funding that is reserved for institutional use. WVC expects to receive details on how to apply for this portion of the funding in the coming weeks. This funding can only be spent on COVID-19 related expenses, including lost revenue due to the pandemic. It cannot be used for any other purpose.

Learn more about the CARES Act at https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares.