Oakland Community College announces $14 million in federal emergency funds available to students for the 2021-2022 academic year
The federally funded Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund has awarded $14 million to OCC to distribute directly to students enrolled in the fall and winter semesters. Administrators say that, combined with other recent federal and state programs, college is becoming more accessible.
A minimum of $300 will be available to all Oakland Community College students for the fall semester through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Additional amounts may be awarded to individual students based on factors such as financial need and the amount of credits being taken by the student. Administrators say that HEERF, along with State of Michigan programs like Future for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect, is making college more accessible to community members.
Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. said in a news release from OCC, "This $14 million is truly a gift to our students. By providing these funds to every student at OCC, we are working to ensure this grant supports individuals through this difficult time and allows students to experience the difference education brings to their future. At $99 a credit hour for in-district residents, this grant award of at least $300 per student is essentially a free three credit class. It is an incredible opportunity for our community to prepare for the future."
The $14 million in financial assistance will be distributed evenly between the fall and winter semesters of the current academic year. Awards to students for the fall semester will be made after the drop/add period which ends September 14. Some students may qualify for more than $300, depending on class load and financial need as determined by their FAFSA.
Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, Bobbie Remias, explained why she believes now is a great time to enroll at OCC. "On top of the federal financial aid programs, the state's Future for Front Liners and Michigan Reconnect programs, three Oakland County Promise Zone programs and the OCC scholarship programs, the addition of $14 million in HEERF awards makes college very accessible," Remias said in the news release.