TSC students to get financial relief

Each active and qualified Texas Southmost College will receive $400 in federal funds to help relieve and assist with expenses during the COVID-19 crisis. The funds are part of the CARES Act.

With student needs in mind, Texas Southmost College will be sending out each qualified, active student $400 in federal funds to help them through difficult financial times brought on by the COVID-19 crisis.

The monies are part of the federal grant from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund – authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - to help relieve and assist with expenses during the global pandemic.

“We know that during this time many of our students may be facing financial hardships due to the pandemic,” said TSC President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez. “Our plan with this grant is to help alleviate some of that stress. Here at TSC we are always pursuing ways of providing assistance to our students.”

In accordance with federal guidelines, students must meet certain eligibility criteria to receive this funding, including: being a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen (including a U.S. national or permanent resident), having a valid Social Security number and, if male (between 18-25), being registered for selective service. For the most up-to-date criteria, please visit the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ COVID-19 Reference Page at: https://www.nasfaa.org/covid19_heerf.

TSC will use the information provided on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help determine qualification for CARES Act funding.

Eligibility is not based on income.

“We are working on rapidly expediting the release of these funds,” said Rodríguez. “We have been working behind the scenes to package the funding to be able to distribute to students because we know they need it.”

The grants will be disbursed to eligible students as early as May 9. Funds may assist students with expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care.

TSC Board of Trustees Chair Adela Garza said she hopes this grant will provide relief for students and their families facing financial hardships during this difficult time.

“We hope this money helps our students and their families breathe a small sigh of relief,” she said. “These are hard times and although things are uncertain, our students need to know that they will always have the support of TSC and its board of trustees.”

TSC Student Government Association President Paola Lugo is one of the many students who will receive this $400 grant, and said that this won’t only benefit her, but also those she serves as a student leader.

“I’m so happy that TSC is supporting its students in this way,” she said. “This moment in time has been a roller coaster for many and this money comes at the right time for us.”

Lugo is one of those students facing financial hardship. Because of the coronavirus. Lugo’s mother is without a job and the only income they are receiving is what Lugo makes as a student worker at TSC.

“It’s been hard making ends meet since the start of the coronavirus,” she said. “I have two younger siblings, so we all have to make food and money stretch the best we can. So, this is a big deal and I am so grateful for the support TSC always offers its students.”

CARES Act funding will be issued through direct deposit or by check via mail. Students are encouraged to update their refund preferences by following the steps listed on the TSC Business Services webpage at: http://www.tsc.edu/index.php/about/office-of-finance/refunds.html.