HEERF - Leeward Community College Reports

University of Hawai‘i Leeward Community College

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Congress passed three pieces of legislation: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) in December 2020, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2021. Each of these laws provided funding for higher education to the US Department of Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The HEERF funding was provided in three different tranches:

Tranche 1 (Student Grants)

Funds are to be used for emergency financial aid grants to students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance, or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care. Leeward Community College (Leeward CC) was awarded a total of $6,313,150 in Tranche 1 funds from the CARES, CRRSAA, and ARPA Acts.

Tranche 2 (Institutional Portion)

Funds may be used to defray institutional expenses associated with coronavirus (including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll), and to make additional emergency financial aid grants to students as permitted under Tranche 1. The ARPA Act added the requirement to use a portion of the institutional funds to implement evidence-based practices to monitor and suppress coronavirus in accordance with public health guidelines, and to conduct direct outreach to financial aid applicants about the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a family member or independent student, or other circumstances. Leeward CC was awarded a total of $8,729,648 in Tranche 2 funds from the CARES, CRRSAA, and ARPA Acts.

Tranche 3 (Minority-Serving Institutions)

HEERF Reporting

In order to comply with reporting provisions prescribed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I), the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA Act) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II), and the America Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) (HEERF III), as directed by the US Department of Education, Leeward CC reports are posted to provide transparency on our use and stewardship of all CARES, CRRSA, ARPA funding.

Combined Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds 4/1/2022 to 6/30/2023

+ Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (a)(1) Student Aid and Institutional Portions, and (a)(2) Minority Serving Institutions

July 10, 2023

April 10, 2023

+ Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (a)(1) Student Aid and Institutional Portion, and (a)(2) Minority Serving Institutions

January 10, 2023

October 10, 2022

July 10, 2022

Student Emergency Aid Reports - Inception to 3/31/2022

+ Notice of Public Posting Requirement of Grant Information for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II and III) related to Emergency Student Aid - April 10, 2022

(1) An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

Institutions who received HEERF I grant funds under CARES Act were not required to submit an application for the HEERF II grant. Leeward Community College received its HEERF II Grant Award Notification on March 19, 2021. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Leeward Community College will use no less than $1,033,945 as stated under Section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSAA, and $4,245,260 in ARP (a)(1) to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

(2) The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

Leeward Community College received $1,033,945 under CRRSAA (a)(1) and $4,245,260 under ARP (a)(1), a combined total of $5,279,205 in aid from the Department of Education.

(3) The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the initial report and every calendar quarter thereafter).

Between January 1 and March 31, 2022, Leeward CC awarded a total of $1,768,750 to students via the CRRSAA and ARPA Programs.

(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

Approximately 6,411 students (credit and non-credit combined) were eligible to receive HEERF Emergency Aid Awards.

(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

2,047 HEERF Emergency Aid awards were granted between January 1 and March 31, 2022.

(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grant

In Spring 2022, the College continued to prioritize students with exceptional need.

Credit Students
Students enrolled in credit classes in the Spring 2022 semester were awarded $1,000 in Emergency Aid if they met the following criteria:

Identified Leeward CC as their home campus
Were registered for 6 credits or more by January 14, 2022.
Had an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 6000 or less as determined by the FAFSA or were enrolled in the College’s HINET Program. HINET Program participants are SNAP recipients.

We also invited Spring 2022 students to apply for an Emergency Aid grant if they met the following criteria:

Identified Leeward CC as their home campus.
Were taking 3 credits or more in Spring 2022.

Student awards were based on the number of credits they were enrolled in as well as the level of need assessed by EdQuity. Students applied for Emergency Aid via EdQuity’s application. Their level and urgency of need was evaluated by EdQuity, who sorted applicants into 3 tiers; tier 1 represented the most urgent or exceptional need, and tier 3 represented the least urgent or exceptional need. Using EdQuity’s assessment, funds were awarded using the following criteria:

Students enrolled in 3-5 credits
- Tier 1: $500
- Tier 2: $250
- Tier 3: $125
Students enrolled in 6 credits or more:
- Tier 1: $1000
- Tier 2: $750
- Tier 3: $500

Non-Credit Students
Students enrolled in Leeward CC’s non-credit programs were also given the opportunity to apply for Emergency Aid. Non-credit students were invited to apply if they:

Were enrolled in Leeward CC’s non-credit programs during Fall 2021 or Spring 2022.
Were enrolled in at least 2 workforce courses or completed 30 hours of non-credit training at Leeward Community College.

Non-credit student awards were based on the level of need assessed by EdQuity. Again, Students applied for Emergency Aid via EdQuity’s application. Their level and urgency of need was evaluated by EdQuity, who sorted applicants into 3 tiers; tier 1 represented the most urgent or exceptional need, and tier 3 represented the least urgent or exceptional need. Using EdQuity’s assessment, funds were awarded to non-credit students using the following criteria:

Tier 1: $1000
Tier 2: $750
Tier 3: $500

Intimate Partner Violence and Sex Assault Survivors
In Spring 2022, Leeward Community College also provided an Emergency Aid opportunity to students who were experiencing intimate partner violence or sex assault. Students who met the following criteria were invited to apply:

Were registered for 3 credits or more at Leeward CC for Spring 2022
Were currently experiencing or had experienced intimate partner violence or sex assault

Students who 1) completed the application; and 2) could outline their need based on eligible expenses were awarded up to $1000 (amount was commensurate to articulated need).

Financial Aid Appeals for Special Circumstance Exceptions
In Spring 2022, we also provided Emergency Aid awards to financial aid recipients who did not qualify for financial aid due to a change in their circumstances. Students were awarded $1,000 if they:

Had applied for federal student aid.
Had experienced a change in circumstances that also changed their level of need.
Did not qualify for additional federal student aid.

(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Credit Student Awards
Spring 2022 award recipients were notified of their award by email.The email notification provided information regarding how they would be receiving their award.

Credit and Non-Credit Student Awards
Credit students who met the eligibility criteria for Spring 2022 awards were sent an email (maximum award amount included was based on the number of credits the student was enrolled in) notifying them of the opportunity and how to access it. An FAQ document was also available on the Leeward Community College's Paying For College webpage and the University of Hawaii’s Emergency Aid website, which provided additional information.

+ Notice of Public Posting Requirement of Grant Information for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II and III) related to Emergency Student Aid - January 10, 2022

Leeward Community College received $1,033,945 under CRRSAA (a)(1) and $4,245,260 under ARP (a)(1), a combined total of $5,279,205 in aid from the Department of Education.

Between October 1 and December 31, 2021, Leeward CC awarded a total of $607,417 to students via the CRRSAA and ARPA Programs.

(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

In Summer 2021, 1,521 students were eligible to receive HEERF Emergency Aid Awards. In Fall 2021, 4,922 students were eligible.

(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

600 students received HEERF Emergency Aid Awards between October 1 and December 31, 2021

(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grant

We continued to award Summer 2021 students Emergency Aid grants if they applied and met the following criteria:

Identified Leeward CC as their home campus
Were domestic students
Were taking 3 or more credits in Summer 2021

Students who were not domestic students and who were taking less than 3 credits in Summer 2021 could also apply. However, priority was given to those who met the above criteria.

Students who 1) completed the application; and 2) could outline their need based on eligible expenses were awarded up to $1000 (amount was commensurate to articulated need). Students who also articulated experiencing financial hardship due to the fact that they had reconciled an outstanding balance with the College and therefore didn’t benefit or only partially benefited from the HEERF debt forgiveness program implemented across the UH system in July 2021 received an additional award of up to $500.

Fall 2021 students were invited to apply for an Emergency Aid grant if they met the following criteria:

Identified Leeward CC as their home campus
Were domestic students
Were taking 6 or more credits in Fall 2021

Students who were not domestic students and who were taking less than 6 credits in Fall 2021 could also apply. However, priority was given to those who met the above criteria.

(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Students who met the eligibility criteria for Summer 2021 awards were sent an email notifying them of the opportunity and how to access it. An FAQ document was also available on the University of Hawaii’s Emergency Aid website, which provided additional information.

Students who met the eligibility criteria for Fall 2021 awards were sent an email notifying them of the opportunity and how to access it. An FAQ document was also available on the University of Hawaii’s Emergency Aid website, which provided additional information. Students who were awarded were emailed additional information.

+ Notice of Public Posting Requirement of Grant Information for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) - October 10, 2021

Institutions who received HEERF I grant funds under CARES Act were not required to submit an application for the HEERF II grant. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Leeward Community College will use no less than $1,033,945 as stated under Section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSAA, and $4,245,260 in ARP (a)(1) to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Leeward Community College received $1,033,945 under CRRSAA (a)(1) and $4,245,260 under ARP (a)(1), a combined total of $5,279,205 in aid from the Department of Education.

Between June 9, 2021 and September 30, 2021, Leeward CC awarded a total of $1,587,208.25 to students via the CRRSAA and ARPA Programs.

(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

In Summer 2021, 1,521 students were eligible to receive HEERF Emergency Aid Awards. In Fall 2021, 4,922 students were eligible.

(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

1374 students received HEERF Emergency Aid Awards between June 9, 2021 and September 30, 2021.

(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

Summer 2021 students were invited to apply for an Emergency Aid grant if they met the following criteria:

Identified Leeward CC as their home campus
Were domestic students
Were taking 3 or more credits in Summer 2021

Students who were not domestic students and who were taking less than 3 credits in Summer 2021 could also apply. However, priority was given to those who met the above criteria.

In Fall 2021, the College continued to prioritize students with exceptional need. Students enrolled in the Fall 2021 semester were awarded $1,000 in Emergency Aid if they met the following criteria:

Identified Leeward CC as their home campus
Were registered for 6 credits or more at Leeward CC by August 12, 2021
Had an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 6000 or less as determined by the FAFSA or were enrolled in the College’s HINET Program. HINET Program participants are SNAP recipients.

(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Fall 2021 award recipients were notified of their award by email. Their email notification provided information regarding how they would be receiving their award.

+ Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II Reporting Section 314(a)(1) Student Aid Portion - June 10, 2021

Institutions who received HEERF I grant funds under CARES Act were not required to submit an application for the HEERF II grant. Leeward Community College received its HEERF II Grant Award Notification on March 19, 2021. In keeping with the terms of acceptance of these funds, Leeward Community College will use no less than $1,033,945 as stated under Section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSAA, to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students.

Leeward Community College received $1,033,945 in aid from the Department of Education.

As of June 8, 2021, Leeward Community College has distributed $290,700 to students.

(4) The estimated total number of students at the institution that are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

As of census date, the total number of students eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants was estimated to be 4,730.

(5) The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

As of June 8, 2021, the total number of students who received CRRSAA emergency aid grants is 936.

(6) The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs.

In Spring 2021, UHCCs prioritized students with exceptional need by identifying eligible students using students’ Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA. All students with an EFC of 1800 or below and enrolled in 6 or more credits received an emergency grant. Award amounts varied between $300 to $600 per student.

(7) Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

UHCC System Office provided campuses with a list of eligible students and sample communication to inform students about their awards. Each campus was responsible for outreach and communication about funds. Information on all HEERF funding is available at the UHCC website: uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares

+ CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
45-Day Fund Report - October 10, 2020

Final report that covers all remaining HEERF fund expenditures for Section 18004(a)(1)

The University of Hawai‘i (UH), including Leeward Community College, provided emergency financial grants to students in Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 to address unexpected financial hardships caused by the coronavirus and disruptions to their education and lives. The federal CARES Act supported emergency assistance directly to students who meet federal eligibility requirements (described below). The UH Urgent Student Relief Fund provided financial assistance for unplanned emergency expenses. The Urgent Student Relief Fund is supported by generosity of UH and UH Foundation donors.

Below is Leeward Community College’s report on administration of the federal CARES Act, Emergency Financial Aid Grants for students.

An acknowledgement that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) provides funding for colleges to give Emergency Financial Aid Grants to currently enrolled students who had "expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus."
On 4/27/2020, Leeward Community College signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education, acknowledging its intent to use no less than 50% of funds received under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution's Certification of Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

Leeward Community College received $1,033,945 under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, "only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants." Also, U.S. Department of Education excluded students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs.
As of October 9, 2020, 4,465 students were eligible for CARES based on their Title IV eligibility, being enrolled in programs that are not exclusively online, and meeting the Fall 2020 CARES COVID Stipend criteria. The method by which eligibility and awarding was determined is outlined below.

The total amount of emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission

As of October 9, 2020, a total of $1,033,945 was distributed to students at Leeward Community College. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020, Rounds 1 and 2. All funds have been expended.

The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

As of October 9, 2020, 2,431 students at Leeward Community College received emergency financial aid grants. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020, Rounds 1 and 2.

The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

Method by which Title IV Eligibility was Determined:

Round 1:

Classified degree or certificate seeking student (excludes fully-online degree programs).
Enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges at census date in Spring 2020.
Enrolled in at least 6 credits at one or more of the UH Community Colleges in Fall 2020 by July 31.
Filed a 2020-21 FAFSA by July 31.
Meets Title IV eligibility criteria including making Satisfactory Academic Progress in 2019-2020 or 2020-2021.

Round 2:

Classified degree or certificate seeking student (excludes fully-online degree programs).
Enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges in Fall 2020.
Filed a FAFSA for 2020-21.
Meets Title IV eligibility criteria including making Satisfactory Academic Progress in 2020-2021.
Meets Campus-Based priorities below:
- Continuing Spring 2020 students
- New Fall 2020 students who filed FAFSA prior to April 2020

Title IV eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen, a valid Social Security Number, registration with Selective Service (if student is male), and a high school diploma, GED or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting

Factors considered in determining grant recipients and amounts for Fall 2020:

Effort to help students enrolled during the pandemic to continue into Fall 2020
Intended to help cover costs related to shift to online learning. The amount was based on estimate of high speed internet for five months
Addresses one of greatest challenges identified by Spring students (internet connection)

Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Information about the Emergency Financial Aid grants was available online at the UH Community Colleges’ website: uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares. Students also had access to an email account for questions related to the stipend: ccaid@hawaii.edu
For Round 1:
- No application was required. Eligible students were sent a personal email notification in mid-July.
- Awards were made August-September 2020 and email notifications with payment details were sent to students’ UH email address.
- Payments were made directly to students regardless of outstanding balances or financial obligations.
For Round 2:
- No application was required.
- Campuses made awarding decisions from a CARES-eligible list provided by the UHCC System Office. Awards were made by October 9, 2020 and email notifications with payment details were sent to students’ UH email address.
- Payments were made directly to students regardless of outstanding balances or financial obligations.

+ CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
45-Day Fund Report - August 26, 2020

Below is Leeward Community College’s report on administration of the federal CARES Act, Emergency Financial Aid Grants for students.

The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) provides funding for colleges to give Emergency Financial Aid Grants to currently enrolled students who had "expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus."
On 4/27/2020, Leeward Community College signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education, acknowledging its intent to use no less than 50% of funds received under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution's Certification of Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

Leeward Community College received $1,033,945 under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, "only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants." Also, U.S. Department of Education excluded students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs. In Fall 2020, as of 8/18/2020, 1,420 students met the federal CARES eligibility criteria at Leeward Community College.

Fall 2020 CARES COVID Stipend Program: As of August 18, 2020, 1,259 students at Leeward Community College received emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act Section 18004(a)(1), based on their Title IV eligibility, being enrolled in programs that are not exclusively online, and meeting the Fall 2020 CARES COVID Stipend criteria. The method by which Fall 2020 Stipend Program was determined is outlined below.

The total amount of emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission

As of August 18, a total of $750,300 was distributed to students at Leeward Community College. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020.

The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

As of August 18, 2020, 1,862 students at Leeward Community College received emergency financial aid grants. This figure includes awards made for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020.

The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

Method by which Title IV Eligibility was Determined:

For Fall 2020, UHCCs provided a CARES COVID Support Stipend of $500 for students continuing from Spring 2020 to Fall 2020. No application was required. The stipend provides financial support to cover expenses associated with the shift to remote learning.

The UH System Financial Aid Office identified the criteria, and the System Institutional Research, Analysis and Planning Office and UHCC Academic Affairs Office prepared the list of eligible students.

Criteria:

Enrolled at one or more of the UH Community Colleges in Spring 2020 at census date
Classified student enrolled in at least 6 credits at one of more of the UH Community Colleges in Fall 2021 by July 31, 2020
Submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA by July 31, 2021
Not enrolled in a fully online degree program
Title IV eligible*
Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress

*Title IV eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen, a valid Social Security Number, registration with Selective Service (if student is male), and a high school diploma, GED or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

Method by which Emergency Financial Aid Grants implementation was Determined

Leeward Community College offered $500 grants to all students who met eligibility criteria as of August 18, 2020.

Factors considered in determination of grant recipients and amounts for Fall 2020:

Effort to help students enrolled during the pandemic to continue into Fall 2020
$500 stipend was intended to help cover costs related to shift to online learning. The amount was based on estimate of high speed internet for five months
Addresses one of greatest challenges identified by Spring students (internet connection)

Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Information about the Emergency Financial Aid grants was available online at the UH Community Colleges’ website: uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares. Students also had access to an email account for questions related to the stipend: ccaid@hawaii.edu
Eligible students were sent a personal email notification in mid-July. Awards were made in August 2020 and email notifications with payment details were sent to students’ UH email address. Payments were made directly to students regardless of outstanding balances or financial obligations.

+ CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
45-Day Fund Report - July 12, 2020

See 45-Day Fund Report for details. No new awards have been made since disbursement of Spring 2020 CARES in May 2020. Additional funds for Fall 2020 CARES will be made on August 12, 2020.

+ CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
30-Day Fund Report - May 28, 2020

The University of Hawai‘i (UH), including Leeward Community College, provided emergency financial grants to students in April and May 2020 to address unexpected financial hardships caused by the coronavirus and disruptions to their education and lives. The federal CARES Act supported emergency assistance directly to students who meet federal eligibility requirements (described below). The UH Urgent Student Relief Fund provided financial assistance for unplanned emergency expenses. The Urgent Student Relief Fund is supported by generosity of UH and UH Foundation donors.

Below is Leeward Community College’s report on administration of the federal CARES Act, Emergency Financial Aid Grants for students.

The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) provides funding for colleges to give Emergency Financial Aid Grants to currently enrolled students who had “expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.”

On 4/27/2020, Leeward Community College signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education, acknowledging its intent to use no less than 50% of funds received under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification of Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

Leeward Community College received $1,033,945 under Section18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, “only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants.” Also, U.S. Department of Education excluded students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs.
As of May 4, 2020, 2,021 students at Leeward Community College were identified as eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act Section 18004(a)(1), based on their Title IV eligibility and being enrolled in programs that are not exclusively online.

The total amount of emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission

As of May 20, 2020, $120,800 was distributed to students at Leeward Community College.

The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

As of May 20, 2020, 604 students at Leeward Community College received emergency financial aid grants.

The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act

Method by which Title IV Eligibility was Determined:

Enrolled (as of 5/4/2020)
Not enrolled in a fully online program
Submitted FAFSA, 2019-20 or 2020-21
Title IV eligible (valid ISIR, verification of high school diploma or equivalency, Statement of Educational Purpose, completed verification process if selected)

Method by which Emergency Financial Aid Grants implementation was Determined:

Leeward Community College offered $200 grants to all students who met eligibility criteria as of May 4, 2020.

Factors considered in determination of grant recipients and amounts for Spring 2020:

Number of Classified students enrolled in Spring 2020
Percent and Number of CARES-eligible students
Administrative considerations to award Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students as efficiently and quickly as possible, especially given that there was not much time between U.S. Department of Education’s award of funds and the last day of the term
Students’ declaration that they incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Information about the Emergency Financial Aid grants was available online at the UH Community Colleges’ website: www.uhcc.hawaii.edu/cares.

Eligible students received a personal email notification regarding their eligibility and a link to the online form to request funds if they had incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.