The federal government has provided COVID-19 relief to college students through their home universities using the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. During the fall 2021 semester, $21 million was given to the University of North Georgia to be distributed amongst qualifying students.

Students got $7 million during the fall semester, and another $7 million will be distributed this semester. One recipient, Madison Leet, a sophomore criminal justice major said, “I was able to cover bills, tuition payments and groceries.” She completed the application after hearing about it through a friend, and she believes the school needs to let more people know about this program through emails and other ads. Mackenzie Morgan, a sophomore psychology major, said a tiny TV ad in the post office is not enough.

Sophomore history major, Kaylee Melton, did not know about the program until interviewed for this article and began her application immediately. She says the grant will help her relieve some financial stress.

The application opened on Jan. 24. To be eligible, students must be enrolled as a UNG student as of Feb. 1, 2022. According to the UNG HEERF III application and information website, the program is open to all UNG students. The requirements to receive the funding are a FAFSA completed for 2021-2022 and an estimated family contribution of $5,846 or less.

To apply for the HEERF III Grant, visit https://ung.edu/together/ung-cares-program-heerf-iii.php.

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