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Students at Lamar State College Port Arthur can apply for a share of more than $500,000 in federal COVID-19 emergency aid starting this Friday (May 1).

The funding is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress in April. The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund which, in turn, supports students who have suffered a financial hardship due to the coronavirus.

Valid qualifying expenses include food, housing, technology or course materials, health care and childcare, among other possible financial impacts caused by the transition to remote learning at LSCPA or other factors related to the COVID-19 situation.

“This funding is a much-needed boost for our students,” LSCPA President Dr. Betty Reynard said. “We understand that many of our students are struggling financially, so we are dedicated to getting this money out to them as quickly as possible.”

An application for LSCPA CARES funds will be available at lamarpa.edu through May 15.

A link to the application will be located on the site’s home page for easy access. Funds will be distributed no later than May 31 through direct deposit and checks.

LSCPA CARES funds will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. The eventual award amount is based on the number of students who apply.

To be eligible to receive funds from this distribution, a student must:

• Have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus activities due to COVID-19;
• Be enrolled in LSCPA during the Spring 2020 semester in a face-to-face class, a face-to-face lab, a combination of face-to-face and online, or clinical courses, and;
• Have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

A student who has not filed a FAFSA is eligible if they:

• Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (i.e., eligible to receive federal Title IV aid);
• Are (or have been) enrolled in a degree-seeking associate or certificate program for Spring 2020;
• Are not enrolled exclusively in online courses for the spring semester on or prior to March 13, 2020;
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements;
• Are not be in default on a federal student loan or owe an overpayment on any federal grant;
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting;
• Have a valid Social Security number;
• Are registered with Selective Service (if required);
• Do not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale and
• Complete a FAFSA so college can determine eligibility.

Federal law precludes international students, high school dual credit students, and incarcerated students from being eligible for LSCPA CARES funding.