Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (HEERF III)

Georgia Tech has received award notices from the United States Department of Education for Higher Education Emergency Relief supplemental awards (HEERF III) Student Aid Awards.

The HEERF III Student Aid funding totaling $14,177,162 will be distributed to eligible Georgia Tech students in accordance with the plan outlined below. The plan has been reviewed and approved by the University of Georgia and implementation will begin on August 23, 2021.

Student Emergency Aid Funding Distribution Plan

Georgia Tech’s plan for awarding and disbursing HEERF III American Rescue Plan (ARP) Student Aid funding has been developed by the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) in collaboration with the Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing and in accordance with Department of Education HEERFIII/ARP regulations and requirements. The awarding strategy described below is informed by the experience(s) gained in the administration of CARES and HEERF II.

  • One Time “HEERF III Student Relief Grant” awards ranging from $500 to $2,500 will be made to qualified students.

  • Priority will be given to domestic undergraduates demonstrating significant financial need.

  • The Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing will initially be allocated 25% of the funds, totaling approximately $3.5 million, to address the immediate needs of students seeking emergency relief funding.

    • The application will become available effective August 23, 2021 for students enrolled in credit course work for the fall semester 2021 and may be found here.

    • The Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing will forward pre-approval information to OSFA for review.

    • Students applying through the Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing will be required to provide a detailed written application and supporting documentation of a cost or need that is an educational cost/need.

    • OSFA will review to confirm that the student has not already received HEERF III funds prior to providing final approval.

    • Approved awards will be entered BANNER and disbursed to the student’s Bursar account for release directly to the student via direct deposit or check.

    • Approved Awards for eligible recipients will be disbursed on Wednesday’s and Friday’s of each week.

  • In all cases, approved HEERF III awards will all be vetted and processed through OSFA and disbursement of the award directly to the student will be managed by the GT Office of the Bursar.

Effective for students enrolled for the Spring Semester, 2022, the Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing will consider a second application for HEERFIII funding. Applicants are required to provide a detailed written application and documentation of new educational costs/need for emergency relief funding.

The Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) will award 75% of the funds, totaling approximately $10.6 million. Recipients will be selected based on the following:

  • Enrolled students in each of the Fall Semester 2021 and/or Spring Semester 2022.

  • Students initially selected for a HEERF III award by the OSFA will be from the cohort with a valid Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) demonstrating exceptional need.

    • Priority will be given to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by a valid FAFSA to cover components of their cost of attendance; and/or Students with lack of funds to cover institutional charges.

    • Recipients will be selected by OSFA from the eligible cohort that has not previously received a HEERF III Grant.

Quarterly Reports

September 30, 2021

  • In collaboration with the Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) began the distribution of HEERFIII grants on August 27, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, 4,230 students have received a total of $ 10,538,884.

December 31, 2021

  • In collaboration with the Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) began the distribution of HEERFIII grants on August 27, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, 4,580 students have received a total of $11,279,907.60.

March 31, 2022

  • As of March 31, 2022, the Institute’s distribution of HEERFIII was completed and all available funds have been fully disbursed to qualified students. In collaboration with the Division of Student Engagement and Wellbeing and cooperation of the Office of the Bursar, the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (OSFA) has awarded HEERFIII grants totaling $ 14,177,162 to 5,663 recipients.

July 8, 2022