Howard Community College announces special funding opportunities for students affected by COVID

Allana Haynes, Howard County Times, Columbia, Md.
·2 min read

Aug. 5—Howard Community College this week announced special funding opportunities to help students affected by the coronavirus pandemic start or continue their educations.

All registered Howard Community College students who have been affected by COVID-19 and are enrolled in at least one credit hour at the time of awarding are eligible, according to a news release.

Students who are undocumented or part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Maryland Dream Act programs are eligible for the COVID-19 special funding. International and high school dual enrollment students are also eligible.

"The new COVID-19 special funding ... is critically important in helping students to continue pursuing their educational goals," Tamika Bybee, director of financial aid services, said in a statement. "We want all of our current and prospective students, especially those impacted by COVID-19, to know that financial assistance is available to help them afford and succeed in college."

The effects of the pandemic may include loss of personal or family income; increased utility bills; changes in child care, food, health care or housing needs; or technology-related costs or expenses incurred as a result of course format and instruction changes.

To be considered for COVID-19 special funding, students will be required to accept Howard Community College's mandatory aid agreement. For more information about the funding and how to apply, go to howardcc.edu/fundyourfuture. The college said it will begin review applicants three weeks into the fall semester, which starts Aug. 28.

The community college has awarded nearly $5.8 million in federal funding to 4,480 students to support their college educations through the COVID-19 special funding, according to the release. An additional $4 million is available in funding for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters.

In addition to the COVID-19 special funding, Howard Community College offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, work-study and other assistance to students, which includes emergency funds for books and associated course materials.

More information on the community college's scholarship opportunities and how to apply can be found on its online scholarships portal at howardcc.academicworks.com. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 30.

Howard Community College will be fully operational for the fall semester, with full in-person courses and the continuation of hybrid and virtual courses.