Howard Community College Offers COVID-19 Special Funding to Students for Spring 2022 Semester
COLUMBIA, MD – Howard Community College (HCC) will disburse more than $3 million in COVID-19 special funding awards to students for the spring 2022 semester. Throughout the pandemic, Howard Community College has offered as many opportunities for financial aid as possible and to date, has awarded $10.3 million to 5,304 students to support their college education.
“I am so grateful for this funding that has allowed me to focus on my goals and take care of my family,” said Nafisa Mohamed.
Mohamed is one of the HCC students who was awarded special funding that allowed her to continue her education and support her family through the pandemic. The COVID-19 special funding is available to registered students who have been impacted by the pandemic. Impact may include loss of personal or family income, increased utility bills, change in childcare, food needs, healthcare needs, change in housing expenses, technology-related expenses, or expenses incurred as a result of the changes to course format and instruction. DACA students, Maryland Dream Act students, undocumented students, international and immigrant students, high school dual enrollment students, and current students are also eligible.
Mohamed began her academic career at HCC in 2015 as a continuing education student. Months prior to the pandemic, she transitioned to a full-time student at HCC, leaving her full-time job in favor of a flexible part-time position. At this time, Mohamed also became the guardian of her younger sister. When the pandemic hit, she lost her new job and worried about how she would afford her classes.
She learned about the COVID-19 special funding through her involvement in the HCC Career Links program. She was awarded funding that helped her continue her studies and allowed her to secure housing for her and her sister.
“This past year has been quite a rocky journey. This special funding provided me with the financial stability to care for my family and the support I needed to continue my education at HCC,” said Mohamed. “This award prevented me from putting my dreams on hold and allowed me to stay on track to apply for the nursing program this year.”
To be considered for special funding, students must accept the funding agreement through the HCC student portal. The COVID-19 special funding is provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and is only available for the spring semester. To learn more about HCC’s special funding awards, visit howardcc.edu/fundyourfuture.
HCC also offers financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, and other assistance to students, which includes, but is not limited to, emergency funds for books and associated course materials. Each year, HCC provides more than $1.89 million in scholarships for students. To be considered for additional funding through HCC scholarships, students should submit an HCC scholarship application. For more information on scholarships, visit howardcc.edu/scholarships.