Lofgren Announces $107.5+ Million in Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding for Local Colleges & Universities

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) announced that the U.S. Department of Education will provide $107,561,094 to institutions of higher education in California's 19th Congressional District to provide financial aid to struggling students, allow for safe reopening, and make up for revenue loss.

This funding was included in the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which Lofgren voted in favor of and the House passed at the end of February. The ARP was signed into law by President Biden in March.

"Education is the backbone of a strong middle class, and the COVID-19 pandemic has put an enormous strain on our higher education system," said Rep. Lofgren. "I supported the American Rescue Plan to combat the pandemic and to immediately provide relief to families, workers, students, and businesses. It's good news that this federal investment will help secure the future of three esteemed local institutions and provide struggling students with urgent relief that will allow them to stay on track and complete their education."

This funding will go to three colleges and universities in California's 19th District:

San Jose State University: $82 million
Evergreen Valley College: $16.4 million
Gavilan College: $9.2 million

In total, 306 institutions of higher education in California will receive nearly $5 billion in ARP funding. Nationwide, $36 billion will go to nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities. At least half of the funding received by institutions -- and all of the funding received by for-profit institutions -- must be spent on emergency financial aid for struggling students. The Biden-Harris Administration also clarified and expanded eligibility for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Now, all students -- including undocumented and international students previously excluded from assistance -- can receive emergency grants through the program.

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