By Cara Beth Lewis
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) has provided Bladen Community College funds through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA). BCC has chosen to use a portion of this relief fund to assist students financially in the upcoming fall semester.
Assistance will be provided for the cost of equipment, books, technology, transportation, child care, food, etc., unless students choose to apply their portion of the HEERF II funds to tuition/fees for the fall term, according to www.bladencc.edu.
Students will receive different amounts, depending on the program they are enrolled in.
The amounts are as follows:
- Any curriculum program leading to a credential or special credit – $750
- An eligible Workforce and Economic Program – $750
- Adult High School – $250
- Bladen Early College and Career and College Promise Program – $250
FAQ from www.bladencc.edu:
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to apply for HEERF II funds?
No application is required. All students enrolled for Fall 2021 will automatically receive an award based on their program of study and enrollment status.
When should I expect to receive HEERF II funds for the fall term?
Direct payments will be distributed during October 2021 for curriculum students (including Bladen Early College and Career and College Promise students). Eligible Economic & Workforce Development Program students and Adult High School students should expect direct payment after the census date (10% point of the course).
Do I have the option to apply HEERF II funds directly to my fall tuition and fees to reduce the amount I must pay by the payment deadline?
Yes! In fact, this option is encouraged to finalize your enrollment. You have the opportunity to apply your HEERF II funding directly to your BCC account for your TUITION AND FEES ONLY! This will allow you to reduce or eliminate your balance instead of waiting to receive your direct payment later in the term. In some cases, the amount awarded will be greater than your account balance for your tuition and fees. If so, you will receive a refund for any remaining funds later in the term. If you choose this option, you will be REQUIRED to authorize BCC to apply the HEERF II funds to your account by completing an authorization form on or before the start date of your class(es). Authorization forms are available at the Cashier’s Office in Building 10 and the Financial Aid Office in Building 2.
Note: In some cases, the amount awarded may not be enough to cover your entire tuition and fees balance. You will be responsible for paying any outstanding balance on your account prior to the start of your class(es), or you may lose your schedule.
Will HEERF II funding affect my financial aid eligibility?
No. HEERF II funds are being distributed as coronavirus relief assistance. These funds will not affect any state or federal aid, nor will they affect any scholarship awards. No financial aid reduction will occur as a result of receiving HEERF II funds.
Eligible 2021 high school graduates will receive the NC Longleaf Commitment grant. Would I still receive my HEERF II allocation if I am an eligible Longleaf Commitment grant recipient?
Good news! Yes! HEERF II funding is in addition to any other financial aid you may be receiving, including Title IV aid (Pell grants), NC Longleaf Commitment, state or federal aid, or scholarships. Learn more about the NC Longleaf Commitment grant — click here.
Do I have to repay any HEERF II funds received during the fall term?
No. HEERF II funds are treated as grants and will not have to be repaid.
Do you have questions about HEERF II funds? Contact the financial aid office:
Lenore Lacy, Administrative Assistant / 910.879.5562 – llacy@bladencc.edu
Faye Turner, Financial Aid Specialist / 910.879.5648 – fturner@bladencc.edu
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