NMC students to receive federal aid this weekend

The Northern Marianas College began the distribution of federal funds to eligible college students affected by COVID-19 and students are expected to receive the funds in their bank accounts this weekend.

According to NMC interim president Frankie Eliptico, NMC will start distributing the funds to students’ bank accounts this weekend and will also start mailing checks. About 1,200 students are expected to receive the assistance. The money is provided under the newly enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act.

“We are thankful that there is going to be some financial relief for students provided by the CARES Act. Our team has been working hard the past few days to make sure the students have access to the funds in the next few days,” said Eliptico.

Full-time students would receive about $700 while part-time students will receive $350. Full-time students are those students who have 12 or more credits and part-time are those who have 11 credits and below.

An NMC student who requested anonymity said that the federal aid is a big help since she is a working student whose hours were cut due to COVID-19. “The money benefits me since I can pay all my bills. I am also able to buy food and that’s all that matters,” she said.

She added that COVID-19 has greatly impacted not just her financial status, but her education as well. However, she still sees COVID-19 as a blessing in disguise since it gives everyone the chance to appreciate the small things in life like quality time with family.

“COVID-19 really affected my education because I learn more efficiently in class and not online. It’s hard to catch up, especially during this crucial time since there’s so much to worry about like how will I pay my rent, power, car, student loans, etc. Class is one of my happy places because I enjoy being around my peers and my teachers, I enjoy discussing topics I can relate to and enjoy debating what’s right and what isn’t. But I’ve also been learning more about myself and how I can make myself a better person. I’ve been spending more time with the people I love the most and the people who actually care about me, so in a way, this quarantine is a blessing in disguise,” she said.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, NMC received confirmation last April 11 from the U.S Department of Education that a provision in the CARES Act would provide approximately $1.8 million to the college.

Out of the $1.8 million that NMC received, $920,000 is reserved for NMC students whose lives were severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.