HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Students facing financial challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic will soon be receiving an additional disbursement of financial support from Wallace State Community College as a benefit of federal CARES Act funding to the college.
The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act), enacted by Congress March 27, provides for a two-part allocation to higher education institutions. The first wave of the allocation, which Wallace State will receive in the coming days, is intended for direct aid to students to help to offset their broad educational costs, which extend even beyond tuition to technology, food, housing, course materials, health care, and childcare. The second part of the allocation, which will come later this year, will help to reimburse colleges for disruption of campus operations and the additional measures colleges have implemented in response to the pandemic.
Wallace State is scheduled to receive $2,032,401 for direct aid to students based on the college’s enrollment, which is the third highest amount in the Alabama Community College System. The college expects to begin disbursing payments of up to $450 to students as early as next week.
“We know that this crisis has disrupted the lives of all of our students, and made the burden to make ends meet while attending college even more challenging for many,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “Even a little bit helps students struggling to purchase gas or food or technology needed to be successful.”
In accordance with federal and state guidance, Wallace State will provide a benefit to all eligible students, just over three-quarters of the college’s total student population, with actual amounts based on enrollment intensity, whether full-time or part-time, similar to allocation distributions used by the Department of Education in awarding Pell grant funds.
Eligible students, according to federal regulations, include those who were enrolled in a degree or certificate program in Spring 2020, who were taking at least one traditional course that was transitioned online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are FAFSA-eligible as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Dual enrollment and transient students, and classes that were audited do not qualify.
“This is a greatest good for the greatest number approach that we believe treats all students equitably,” said Karolewics.
Students enrolled for at least three credit hours will receive $150, and amounts increase as credits enrolled increase. Most students will receive $250 or more, which will cover the cost of a basic laptop tablet. For those with urgent technology needs, Wallace State and the Wallace State Future Foundation have made laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, cameras, headphones and other devices available for students to borrow.
The college will also make additional funds available for students with emergency needs, to help those who need assistance paying for licensure exams and certifications, and for those enrolled during summer term. These subsequent awards will be based on an individual needs-based application.
Wallace State’s registration for summer semester is currently underway. The 10-week full term and 5-week mini-term classes will begin May 20. A second five-week mini-term will begin June 25. Early enrollment numbers indicate that students are transitioning well to online services and instruction.
Whether classes need to begin the semester online and transition to campus later in the semester is still being determined. Either way, the college is prepared to start on time, as scheduled.
“We have the most resilient, adaptable students and employees,” said Karolewics. “Wallace State’s goal is to serve students with excellence in whatever way that is possible. We are here for our students, wherever they are.”
For more information about Wallace State, including a summer class schedule, visit www.wallacestate.edu. College-related updates due to coronavirus pandemic are posted at www.wallacestate.edu/coronavirus.
