The Federal Government established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) under the CARES Act which was signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020. This fund will allow Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Practical Nursing Program to provide emergency grants to students experiencing financial hardship specifically due to the disruption of campus operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES has completed the Certification and Agreement for this funding with the assurance that we will use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency grants for students. Here are some facts regarding this funding:

• Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Practical Nursing Program has been awarded $362,846 of which $181,423 (50%) is designated for emergency grants to students.
• We identified 83 students and awarded 81 of those students who were enrolled in the spring 2020 program.
• Students were awarded based on financial need as determined by their 2019-20 FAFSA, with the neediest students receiving the maximum award. Awards ranged from $515 to $2,974.
• This funding will not have an impact on your current or future financial aid eligibility and is not considered as Federal financial aid under Title IV.
• Federal CARES Act emergency grants do not need to be repaid.
• Funds must be used for expenses related to the disruption of the student's education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including course materials, technology, food, housing, health care, childcare, other expenses with proper justification.

Eligibility

Student must be eligible to receive Title IV (Federal) financial aid in order to be approved for a Federal CARES Act grant.

Title IV Eligibility includes:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen;
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements must be met;
• Cannot be in default on any Federal student loans;
• Must have an official 2019-20 FAFSA on file with the Financial Aid Office