HGTC Disbursing $2.6 Million in Grant Funding for Students
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is awarding nearly $2.6 million in grant funding to students this week. These funds are part of the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), which was enacted by Congress on December 27, 2020, to provide $22.7 billion for institutions of higher education to lessen the economic hardships that COVID-19 has placed on students and their families.
Colleges and universities are required to use CRRSAA funding to provide grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID-19, including things like tuition, fees, course materials and technology, as well as food, housing, healthcare, and childcare.
One student that expressed appreciation for the funding is Kim Halterman, an Associate in Science major completing her degree online.
“When I read the email from HGTC that I qualified for the emergency pandemic grant, my eyes filled with tears. It was the best news I had received in a very long time. Last year and this year so far have been the most difficult of my life as my family has dealt with much more than just the struggles caused by the pandemic,” said Halterman. “I still haven't even looked to see the amount of the grant because it really doesn't matter; however much it is, I am grateful beyond words. Thank you, HGTC.”
To be eligible for a COVID-19 Relief grant, students must meet the following criteria:
- Students must be enrolled at HGTC for the spring 2021 semester which includes any of the following: Full spring (January 11); Fast Forward I (January 11); and Fast Forward II and Flex Start (February 1) with Fast Forward II classes starting Wednesday, March 3.
- Students must also be Federal Title IV eligible with all requirements completed.
Individuals who are Federal Pell Grant recipients will receive a one-time grant of $900. Those who are not Federal Pell Grant recipients will receive a one-time grant of $400.
“We will use the same criteria to guide our grant awards process as we did in spring 2020, when we disbursed $2.5 million in CARES Act funding to over 3,000 eligible students,” said HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore. “We are expecting more students to receive funding with as many as 3,700 students eligible this year.”
Refunds will be processed with paper checks being mailed by Thursday, February 18, 2021, and direct deposits being deposited into bank accounts by Friday, February 19, 2021. Questions regarding refunds should be directed to HGTC Student Accounts at StudentAccounts@hgtc.edu or 843-349-5310.
Students can check their myHGTC accounts to view award amounts and find additional information on CRRSAA.