HSU Disbursed $13 Million in COVID Grant Funds to Students in October
In mid-October, almost $13 million in COVID relief grants were divided and automatically disbursed to Humboldt State University students’ accounts.
Peggy Metzger, director for the Office of Financial Aid at HSU, said that students who filed a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application automatically received grants between $500 and $3000, depending on the student’s Expected Family Contribution.
There is still money available for students who did not apply for a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
“Students who did not file a FAFSA or CADAA can request a grant up to $750 by submitting a Hardship Request Form,” Metzger said.
There is about $600,000 in COVID relief funds left that can be used for hardship relief. HSU has until March 2022 to spend it all. Hardship Request Forms can be filled out online at finaid.humboldt.edu/aid-types.
On Oct. 12, the Financial Aid Office notified HSU students that the Emergency COVID grants were being directly paid out to them later in the week to help them with financial aid. Many students were surprised and relieved that more money was coming to them.
Journalism senior Skylar Gaven received COVID relief money in October. The emergency grant helped Gaven make ends meet.
“It is helpful, I mean, I really do appreciate it,” Gaven said. “It has helped me a lot, as far as savings and just getting groceries and stuff like that.”
Jorge Amaya Mijango, a sophomore majoring in Zoology, is a first generation college student. He received COVID relief money as well.
“The grant helps me cover some costs that I wouldn’t be able to cover and purchase necessary things that will help me throughout my time at HSU,” Amaya Mijango said.
The October COVID funding was the third round of funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The first round was authorized in spring 2020 and the second round was passed in fall 2021.
Now is the perfect time to fill out the FAFSA. Go to studentaid.gov to renew an old application or start a new one for the next academic year.
