In an effort to support its students during this pandemic, City Colleges of Chicago is working to award eligible students $12.7 million in federal CARES Act funds.  More than 22,000 City Colleges students are potentially eligible for CARES Act funds, and in a week, more than 8,000 students have submitted a statement of need form and are on their way to receiving federal funds.  Roughly 60 percent of City Colleges’ CARES Act direct aid funds will be disbursed based on headcount to students deemed eligible by U.S. Department of Education guidelines, up to $350 per student.  Roughly 40 percent of CARES Act funds will be distributed to students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and food insecurity.  Eligible students have received direct communications from City Colleges about the next steps to secure financial assistance. 

Once eligible students have completed a FAFSA, a simple statement of need form, and selected an electronic means to receive payment, funds can be available in one to three days.  The City Colleges of Chicago Foundation has been raising resources to target urgent and emergent needs for students, and to prevent the ripple effects of COVID-19 from being a barrier to college persistence. So far, the Foundation has raised $2,000,000 for the Chancellors Retention Fund, which provides tuition support to allow students to stay enrolled, and more than $600,000 for the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund, offering support for food, housing and other needs.  Those interested in donating to directly support City Colleges students should visit prepare.ccc.edu/give.  To learn more about City Colleges’ CARES Act funding, go to www.ccc.edu/finance.