Package also includes funding for HBCUs.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) will receive more than $36 million in emergency funding thanks to the recently enacted $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
“At a time of great peril in our nation’s history, we are so fortunate to have the unwavering support and leadership of Members of Congress who are dedicated to the safety and sustainability of K-20 education,“ said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Indeed the circumstances would be vastly different for our students and our institutions without the tremendous resources we have been afforded to remain operational and thrive.”
At least half of the funding each institution receives will be issued directly to students in the form of emergency financial grants to help pay for course materials, housing, food, health care, childcare and other essentials. Students receiving cash assistance grants will be at the discretion of the college or university.
“Florida A&M University sincerely appreciates the significant financial support of the COVID-19 rescue package. It will help our students and all HBCU students as the manage financially through this epidemic,” said Vice President for Student Affairs William E. Hudson, Jr., Ph.D. “Many of the students are first generation and/or economically disadvantage and these funds can be the difference between students persisting in college or declining to reenroll. HBCU’s are leaders in student in social mobility as such it is important for students to graduate by minimizing financial barriers.”
U.S. Rep. Alan Lawson announced that state colleges and universities in his Fifth Congressional District would receive more than $283 million in emergency funding as a result of the recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
“The American Rescue Package is a critical lifeline for North Florida institutions and students who are facing severe economic strains due to the pandemic,” Lawson said. “This funding will provide them with much-needed assistance during this crisis as I continue to work to bring additional resources to our district.”
The American Rescue Plan Act provided almost $40 billion in higher education relief funds, including $2.2 billion going directly to Florida colleges and universities, to support the overwhelming costs that institutions and students face in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAMU is also in line for additional funding from the American Rescue Plan Act as part of a $3 billion allocation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), other Minority-Serving Institutions, and other under-resourced institutions.
The colleges and universities in Lawson’s 5th Congressional district receiving funding under the American Rescue Plan Act are as listed.
- Edward Waters College: $5,480,437
- Florida A&M University: $36,530,662
- Florida Gateway College: $5,824,065
- Florida State College at Jacksonville: $56,387,386
- Florida State University: $80,429,930
- Gadsden Technical Institute: $109,154
- Jacksonville University: $6,603,288
- Lively Technical College: $3,088,004
- North Florida College: $2,703,796
- Tallahassee Community College: $27,381,326
- Trinity Baptist College: $1,283,028
- University of North Florida: $35,124,000
- Total: $204,614,463
