Dear Students,
I hope this note finds you healthy and well. I write to give you an update on the availability of additional emergency funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).
On January 14, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education announced the availability of additional emergency funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) for institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pitzer College has received funding from the recently approved Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). Unlike the CARES Act, the CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students. Per federal guidelines, $312,931 has been allocated to go directly to students in the form of CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grants. More than half the funds have been distributed already since March 2020 to provide direct support during the pandemic to students with exceptional need and considered housing insecure. The remainder of the funds will be disbursed as quickly as possible to provide students with the support they need to continue their educational pursuits via additional Emergency Relief Grants.
CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grants are intended to assist students with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the ongoing nation-wide pandemic (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare). If you have experienced any difficulties due to the disruption of campus operations, we strongly encourage you to apply for a CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant.
Unfortunately, the current legislation limits eligibility for funds only to students eligible to receive federal financial aid, excluding assistance to non-U.S. citizens. However, just as we did with CARES Act, Pitzer College will use its own funds to cover grants in cases where students are ineligible to receive CRRSAA funds.
- To be eligible to receive a CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant, students should be currently enrolled with consideration to students on leave of absence
- The CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant is limited to $500 and a one-time request. While $500 is the maximum, we ask that you only request what you need, being mindful of other students also impacted by the pandemic. Pending resource availability, we may consider allocating additional support based on exceptional student need.
- The request must be costs incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The U.S. Department of Education has prioritized students with the greatest demonstrated financial need for immediate disbursement of funds.
- With your consent, the funds can be applied toward student account balances.
- Students must complete the CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant form.
CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant funding is limited. Applicants will be awarded grants as long as funds remain available.
We want to thank our entire community for continuing to come together to care for each other and those most greatly impacted by the pandemic. It has been wonderful to see such care and collaboration in our community.
Best Regards,
Laura & Sandy
