CARES Act

cares red baron

The United States Department of Education announced funding that has been allocated to Corning Community College through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency grant money to eligible students with unforeseen emergency expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligibility

Students must be eligible to receive Title IV (federal) financial aid.  

  • If a student has filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and has an eligible EFC then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in the federal programs.
  • Students who have not filed a FAFSA, but who are eligible to file a FAFSA, may receive emergency financial aid grants. Students will be required to complete a FAFSA for the current academic year.  The Financial Aid Office will then review the completed FAFSA to ensure the student meets application criteria before Baron Grant and Red Baron Plus Grant application(s) will be considered.
  • Students who are eligible to receive federal financial aid (Title IV Eligible) and took classes Spring 2020, Summer 2020, or are enrolled in Fall 2020 courses.

Title IV Eligibility includes:

o   U.S. citizenship, permanent resident, or eligible noncitizen

o   Has a valid Social Security number that is verified against the Social Security administration database

o   Registered with Selective Service (if the student was born male) and over the age of 18 at time of FAFSA application

o   Has a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool program

o   Must not be enrolled concurrently in elementary or secondary school at the same time they are matriculated at SUNY CCC

o   Enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program

o   Making Satisfactory Academic Progress or meeting the terms of an Approved Academic Plan if the student is on Financial Aid Probation

o   Not be in default on a Title IV federal student loan

o   Not owe a refund on a federal student grant or loan overpayment

o   Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale within the described time limitations as outlined on the drug question on the FAFSA application

Eligible Expenses

Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 Eligible Expenses:
Computer/tablet/ipad purchase
Internet packages- monthly payments
Computer programs needed for coursework
Increased data plans
Printer
Course materials related to remote learning
Additional study materials

If you attended Spring 2020, you may get reimbursed for additional expenses:
Food
Technology
Computer
Course materials
Health care
Transportation
Childcare
Utilities
Housing
Dependent care
Other expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.

How to Apply

Students who have potential eligibility will receive an email with a link to the online application once funding is available to us. This application is linked to the specific student it was sent to so it cannot be shared.

Frequestly Asked Questions- CARES Act Emergency Grant

Below are the answers to frequently asked questions regarding the CARES Act as well as information regarding the CARES Act Baron Grant.

A:  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act allocated funds to support individuals and businesses/organizations affected by the pandemic and economic downturn.  The Act includes several sources of funds for colleges and universities, including the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
A:  The CARES Act- Baron Grant is available to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.  Please see the list of eligible expenses above.
A:  Funding provided to SUNY Corning Community College under the CARES Act is available to Title IV eligible students who are currently enrolled in courses and have incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to Covid-19.  Title IV eligible students are those with a completed and processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.  If you are eligible and have experienced financial emergency expenses you will need to complete the CARES Act Baron Grant applications.
A:  Expenses that are not covered include but are not limited to; an outstanding tuition bill at the college, previous educational debts, legal representation or services
A:  All students must first complete a 2020-2021 FAFSA so that the Financial Aid Staff can verify eligibility before Baron Grant applications will be considered.
A: No, FAFSA completion and review are required before you will receive an email with the link to the CARES Act Baron Grant Application.
A:  We are reviewing applications as quickly as possible so we can meet students’ critical needs.  Funds are limited, so we encourage students to apply immediately.
A:  An email will be sent to your Corning Community College email account.  This email will tell you how much you are eligible for and there will be a link to the application. 
A:  Eligible students can apply for additional grant money by completing the Baron Plus Grant Application.
A:  A link to the Baron Plus Grant Application will be included in the email that you receive regarding the CARES Act Baron Grant.
A: Funding from the CARES ACT emergency fund will not impact a student’s financial aid package.
A:  Grants will be disbursed to the student within 10-14 business days.  The entire grant amount will be disbursed to the student via Bank Mobile or paper check if a student has not established an account with Bank Mobile at the time of disbursement, regardless of any bill owed to the college. 
A:  To select your refund preference (either deposit funds to your existing bank account or open a Bank Mobile Vibe account) go to refundselection.com and click “need a code”.  Type in your school name (Corning Community College), enter your student ID beginning with a C, and enter your school email address.  BankMobile will only send a code to your school email.  
A:  The CARES Act requires institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.  These emergency financial aid grants cannot be kept to cover a student’s outstanding account balance. 


Additional CARES Act Questions

Please submit questions and/or requested documentation to the following email: 

CARESACT@CORNING-CC.EDU

 CARES ACT Student Aid Reporting Requirement

* Disclaimer: All contents of this plan were developed to follow Department of Education and SUNY guidance as of 4/29/2020. If further guidance is provided in the future, SUNY Corning Community College has the right and responsibility to update any portion of the plan to maintain compliance with the Department of Education and to meet any updated guidance that may be provided from SUNY without advanced notification.