Coast Community College District, Students Get Coronavirus Relief

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Orange County's colleges and universities with campuses in the 48th congressional district will receive over $17 million in emergency grant money to help cover financial losses during the coronavirus shutdown, Congressman Harley Rouda reported.

At least half of the funding to institutions is required to be distributed to students in the form of emergency cash grants to help students pay for housing, food, and other essentials.

"COVID-19 has disrupted Orange County students' education, housing, meal programs, and on-campus jobs," said Rouda. "These critical emergency grants will help our struggling students as they continue to pursue higher education via distance learning."

Coast Community College District Chancellor, John Weispfenning, discussed the support with his faculty and students.

"The CARES Act empowers the Coast Community College District to support our students in a time of tremendous upheaval while allowing them to continue their educational journey so that they will be ready to embrace their future when this crisis ends," Weispfenning said. "The flexibility in this funding means that we can meet our students where they are, whether they need direct financial support, access to technology that allows for online instruction, or continuation of wrap-around services at a distance."

The funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress passed last month.

The U.S. Department of Education released allocations under the CARES Act here.

• Orange Coast College received a total $9,120,468, with $4,560,234 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
• Golden West College received a total $4,318,142, with $2,159,071 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
• Vanguard University Of Southern California received a total $1,879,831, with $939,916 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
• Laguna College Of Art And Design received a total $661,479, with $330,740 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
• Coastline Community College received a total $634,209, with $317,105 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
• Soka University Of America received a total $351,126, with $175,563 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
• Pacific College received a total $283,666, with $141,833 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.
• Interior Designers Institute received a total $100,622, with $50,311 as the minimum allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students.

Students should contact their college or university for emergency financial aid grants. Residents of the 48th Congressional District who have questions can reach out to Rep. Rouda's office at (202) 225-2415.