The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a bill designed to provide financial support and resources to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion stimulus bill is the largest stimulus bill in U.S. history and Congress’ third major piece of legislation to address the COVID-19 crisis. The Education Stabilization Fund (Fund) is created under the CARES Act in the total amount of $30.75 billion. The Fund was created with the purpose to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally, and will remain available through September 30, 2021. The CARES Act provides several different methods for distributing roughly $14 billion in funds to institutions of higher education. The most significant portion of that funding allocation provides that $12.56 billion will be distributed to institutions using a formula based on student enrollment. The CARES Act, which establishes and funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), directs institutions of higher education (“institutions”) to use no less than 50 percent of funds received under Sections 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. On April 10, 2020 the U.S. Department of Education started taking applications for the Student Aid portion (50% under Section 18004 (a)(1)) that is to be distributed as Financial Aid Grants to students. To apply for the funding, institutions were required to sign a Funding Certification and Agreement assuring that the institution has used or intends to use, no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004 (a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. WVSOM signed the Funding Certification and Agreement on 4/17/20. Once the funds were made available on 4/29/20, WVSOM immediately sent an email to each student encouraging them to apply for the CARES HEERF Grant.
On December 27, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260. In total, the CRRSAA authorizes $81.88 billion in support for education, in addition to the $30.75 billion former Secretary DeVos expeditiously provided through the CARES ACT. On January 14, 2021 The U.S. Department of Education announced an additional $21.2 billion available to higher education institutes to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CRRSAA as HEERF II.
The Higher Education Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2011, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CARES Act funds that WVSOM has access to for Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004 (a)(1)
$123,518.00
CRRSAA funds that WVSOM has access to for Financial Aid Grants under Section 314 (a)(1)
ARPA funds that WVSOM has access to for Financial Aid Grants under Pub. L. 116-260
$288,714.00
Total funds for Financial Aid Grants for WVSOM Students
$535,750.00
Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students to date
$893,508
The estimated total number of students at WVSOM eligible to apply
803
The total number of students at WVSOM who have received CARES Act/CRRSAA Financial Aid Grants to date
Above Table Data Last updated 8-18-21
Quarter ending September 30, 2020 - PDF
Quarter ending December 31, 2020 - PDF
Quarter ending March 31, 2021 - PDF
Quarter ending June 30, 2021 - PDF
Quarter ending September 30, 2021 - PDF
Dear Student Doctor,
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid and who have exceptional financial need will be considered priority for these funds. The Office of Student Financial Aid used the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data to determine the amount of your award.
All students enrolled at WVSOM will receive a grant within the next two weeks. Our institution has developed a method to prioritize emergency financial aid grants to students with exceptional need with guidance from the Department of Education. Please review your MYWVSOM banner self-service accounts for your award.
If you have questions please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Grant at WVSOM provides emergency financial assistance to eligible students who are experiencing hardship that could adversely affect their educational success.
The main criteria for a grant are the demonstration of a genuine need and that the capacity for continued study may be in jeopardy due to the financial hardship. Applicants must be able to provide documentation supporting the need. Students who plan to submit an application for a CARES HEERF Grant should contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have questions. Please note that all request are reviewed and awarded in the order the applications are received. The funds are limited and on a first come, first served basis. All information will remain confidential.
$2000 subject to supporting documentation. However, the final award will be based on need as described in the student’s application and as supported by the appropriate documentation. Please note: applications submitted without documentation will not be reviewed.
Applicants will be contacted five to seven days after submitting their applications via WVSOM email.
As the grant draws on a limited pool of funds, WVSOM cannot guarantee the availability of funds for assistance.
Students can apply through their MYWVSOM Student Portal and upload supporting documentation. Click on the link below to redirect to the Student Portal.
The COVID-19 relief through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act helps eligible students. This new COVID stimulus bill included $23 billion for higher education institutions and students. Unlike the CARES HEERF I Grant the HEERF II Grant includes more flexible awards. WVSOM is required to prioritize grants to students with exceptional financial need. Application deadline: March 12, 2021
If you applied for the first grant and was either approved or denied you still may qualify for this additional grant.
Grants will be distributed to those with eligible expected contributions (EFC). This information is based off the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
I encourage each of you to apply for the CARES HEERF II grant as soon as possible. No documentation is necessary only complete the short application. Deadline date: March 12, 2021
If you have questiosn please contact the Office of Financial Aid.