HEERF funding for students and faculty continues at $92 million

The Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees discussed what to do with remaining HEERF funds for students and district employees.

By Natalie Metcalf, Staff Writer

The LACCD still has $92 million of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds to allocate to students and programs of its nine campuses, including Valley College.

On April 13, the LACCD Board of Trustees met to discuss the change in policy. Board Member Andra Hoffman brought up the subject of the remaining HEERF funds. In total, the district still has $92 million to spend – $18 million going to students and $73 million going to institutions. According to Hoffman, an update was made to the distribution of HEERF funding on March 11, extending the district’s responsibilities in distributing the money. The district extended the administering date to one year from Sept. 30, 2021.

“We’ve asked for reports at every budget and finance committee meeting, as to the plans for the colleges to spend that money,” said Hoffman. “I think the intent behind the committee is to make sure that a good chunk of that money goes directly to student support.”

It is known that the distribution will be stretched an extra year, though the date for the extension has not yet been set.

HEERF provides funds to institutions for emergency grants given to college students affected by COVID-19. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act – the CARES Act – was signed into law two years ago. In order to receive the additional funds, students need to fill out their financial aid application — FAFSA or Dream Act — for the school year.

According to Valley’s website, the school has given $1 thousand each to 6,372 students. President Barry Gribbons notes that Valley has been generous in its allocation, as the campus has spent more than the minimum required to be spent on students.