Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act will immediately provide more than $6 billion to institutions of higher education nationwide.
That funding will be provided to college students in direct emergency grants to assist with COVID-19-related disruptions to their education, including basic needs such as food, housing, course materials, child care and health care.
New Jersey’s public and private non-profit institutions of higher education will receive at least $289 million through the CARES Act, of which nearly $145 million will be provided immediately to institutions to assist students.
“Material hardships like food and housing are linked to academic achievement and contribute toward a students’ well-being,” said Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, Secretary of Higher Education.
“Institutions have been working to address the possible hardships students are facing and implement plans for appropriate, alternative accommodations. During this unprecedented public health emergency, these basic needs must be protected.”
While today’s announcement from Secretary DeVos is a critical first step, the Murphy Administration urges additional federal funding to further offset COVID-19-related costs incurred by New Jersey college students and institutions of higher education.