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NMC awarded $1.8M from CARES Act
The Northern Marianas College got confirmation on April 11 from the U.S Department of Education that the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security Act will provide approximately $1.8 million in grant funding to the college. The funds will be provided in two phases.
In an email to all NMC students last April 12, NMC interim president Frankie Eliptico said that, of that amount, $920,000 will be reserved for NMC students whose education has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The college is working at this time on the allocation per student. The remaining portion of the grant will be provided by U.S. Department of Education at a later date when additional guidance and requirements are also given.
“Our college community is thankful for the assistance as the funds will be able to provide NMC students with some financial relief as they continue to face challenges in their pursuit of their college degrees,” said Eliptico.
He added that the grant will provide guidelines that will show students how they will be able to use the funds to cover eligible expenses that includes course materials, technology, housing, food, health care, and child care. Eliptico stated that the college is working to have the students access the funds as soon as possible.
“These are unprecedented and challenging times for your students and you,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a letter addressed to college and university presidents across the United States. “I know you find yourselves grappling with issues you never imagined, and I want to assure you we are here to support you in your missions to quickly provide the resources and flexibility you need to continue educating your students.”
DeVos stated that the department will be working expeditiously to set aside the remaining funding that will be reserved for institutional use and will provide additional information on how institutions can apply for the funding, as well as other emergency funding.
It is advised that NMC students should closely monitor their student email for announcements and guidance that will be provided over the next few days.
“Continue to be safe, Proas. Your efforts in physical distancing and isolating will contribute greatly to slowing COVID-19,” said Eliptico.
