Ridgewater students to benefit from nearly $1 million in COVID relief funding
March 17, 2021
WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – Thanks to the recent Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Ridgewater College has received more than $975,000 in funding earmarked specifically for student financial assistance grants. The first round of automatic grants ranging from $300 to $600 began on Friday, March 12. A second round of grants in the amount of $1000 per student will become available on Monday, March 22 through an application process.
To receive a CRRSAA Student Aid grant, a student must be actively enrolled for Spring Semester 2021 in any online, hybrid or face-to-face credit, non-credit or continuing education courses and meet these federal eligibility requirements:
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen (including a US National or permanent resident);
- Have a valid Social Security number; and
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Students NOT eligible for the CRRSAA financial assistance include:
- high school Post-Secondary Enrollment Options or Concurrent Enrollment students
- senior citizens who already attend at discounted tuition rates
- students receiving third-party employer payment for tuition
- undocumented/DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students
“We know the COVID-19 pandemic has created overwhelming financial and related hardships for our students these past months, far exceeding what we normally see or are equipped to handle,” said Ridgewater’s Kelly Magnuson, Vice President for Advancement and Outreach and Ridgewater Foundation Executive Director. “This latest federal funding – dedicated to students in need – is much needed and incredibly impactful in helping students persevere in meeting their educational goals during this difficult time.”
The CRRSAA student financial assistance grants may be used toward any component of the student’s cost of college attendance (including tuition, fees, books, housing, food, etc.), for health care including mental health, or for unexpected or emergency costs that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students must be able to explain their financial situation or hardship on their application.
For more information or to apply, go to www.ridgewater.edu/covid-19/crrsaa-funding-for-students/. Questions regarding the financial assistance application process should be directed to Ashley Gabbert at [email protected].
