HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Calhoun Community College is distributing approximately $7.8 million to students taking courses this fall semester.
According to the college, students who enroll and attend credit classes for the fall 2021 semester and who qualify under the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), which is authorized by the American Rescue Plan, will receive payments.
"COVID was a terrible thing but I can remember back in the day when we didn't have any money that we could offer students," explained Calhoun Community College Interim President Dr. Jimmy Hodges. "I mean, we might have a handful of scholarships and what have you, but we didn't have anything like this that we could offer them."
The funding also includes high school students who are taking courses through the Dual Enrollment program at Calhoun Community College. The school says more than 8,000 Calhoun students may qualify for the payments.
Each payment will range from approximately $750 to $1,500. The school says students do not need to contact the college to qualify, but they will need to respond to the official email that will be sent to them by Calhoun.
“This is good news for students enrolling at Calhoun Community College this fall. We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in some way or another," Dr. Hodges said.
"We know there have been hardships and some students may have put education on hold. We’re hoping this stimulus grant will help them get back on track. We look forward to seeing them in person and online this fall."
Additional information regarding the stimulus payments can be found on Calhoun Community College's website.
The stimulus grant was provided by the United States Department of Education.