HEERF Public Disclosure

CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Public Disclosure Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students:

Under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES ACT, Vermont Tech has applied for and received federal aid through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).  Vermont Tech has signed and returned the U.S. Department of Education’s Certification and Agreement and intends to use, per federal law, no less than 50 percent to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

This part of the federal CARES Act provides emergency grants to students based on disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus for eligible expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care.

Per federal CARES Act reporting guidelines, Vermont Tech is pleased to provide the below information.

• Total amount of funds Vermont Tech has received: $485,703
• Estimated number of students eligible for federal aid: 1,043
• Total number of applicants who have received Emergency Financial Aid Grants (as of June 3, 2020): 494 (updated September 30, 2020)
• Total amount distributed to students (as of June 3, 2020): $485,703 (updated September 30, 2020)

All funds have been exhausted to date. As of June 3, 2020, there are no more CARES ACT funds to distribute to students.

Methods used by the institution to determine eligibility for Emergency Financial Aid Grants (first round):

• Students self-certify through an electronic application process they incurred unexpected expenses due to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
• Students can receive up to $2,100 of assistance, with students enrolled in less than six credits able to receive up to $525.

Methods used by the institute to determine eligibility for Emergency Financial Aid Grants (second round):

• Cares Act Application Extended to May 28, 2020
• Awarded $300 per applicant until funds were depleted
• First Come – First Served

Instructions, directions or guidance provided by the institution concerning Emergency Financial Aid Grants:

• Public Announcement was placed on the Vermont Tech Home Page May 6, 2020.
• Vermont Tech has created a web page for students to review eligibility information for the CARES Act funds with a link to the application form.
• A notification and link was also provided within CANVAS, the student academic portal, to provide notice to students the opportunity to apply for funds.
• Email notifications from both the President in the All Campus Update, and from Financial Aid were sent to students in this regard.
• The total amount of student funding is now expended as of May 21, 2020 (Updated on July 20, 2020)

CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Public Disclosure – Institutional Portion and Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP):

Under Section 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion and Section 18004(a)(2) Strengthening Institutions Program of the CARES ACT, Vermont Tech has applied for and received federal aid through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). This required report demonstrates that Vermont Tech applied the balance of both awards toward faculty salary in support of the transition to distance learning in the spring of 2020.