Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds II (HEERF II)
The federal government has passed a second Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds II (HEERF II). HEERF stimulus bill that includes additional emergency grants for students.
MJC is excited to announce that we have received the second round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds II (HEERF II). These funds were authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSA Act). Modesto Junior College has received $4,787,752 in CCRSAA funds to provide emergency grants to MJC students.
This funding is to provide financial relief to MJC students who have experienced a loss of income or added expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such expenses include tuition, food, housing, health care, mental health and child care.
The U.S. Department of Education allocated funds to colleges based on full-time enrollment and total number of students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Funding is primarily based on the number of high-need students enrolled at MJC.
Modesto Junior College is required to prioritized emergency grants to students with EXCEPTIONAL FINANCIAL NEED, such as those who are Pell Grant recipients.
In order to be eligible for HEERF II funds, students need to meet the following requirements:
- Have a 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with an official Estimated Family Contribution on file with the MJC Student Financial Services Office as of April 2, 2021
- Be actively enrolled in courses at MJC as of April 2, 2021
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen status
- Meet SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) standards
- Have incurred expenses directly related to changes in campus operations due to COVID-19 (example: the purchase of a laptop, food, housing, healthcare, and childcare)
DACA, AB540 undocumented, and international students are not currently eligible for HEERF II funding.
MJC will be reviewing other institutional funding to determine possible financial support for AB540 undocumented students.
MJC based the awards on the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and units enrolled. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number is used by MJC to calculate how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.
Students can find their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amount on their Student Aid Report. To access your Student Aid Report, visit FAFSA.gov.
Award Amounts
| Tier | EFC | Less Than Half Time | ½ Time | ¾ Time | Full Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | EFC = 0 |
$300 | $600 | $900 | $1,200 |
| Tier 2 | EFC = 1 - 5,711 |
$250 | $500 | $750 | $1,000 |
| Tier 3 | EFC = 5,712 - 15,000 |
$200 | $400 | $600 | $800 |
This is an emergency grant and not a loan. These funds do not have to be repaid.
For more information on the CRRSA ACT
- Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021
- CRRSAA HEERF II 314(a)(1) Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply to receive the HEERF emergency grant?
Students will be awarded the grant automatically. No application is required.
When will grants be disbursed?
Our goal is to distribute the funds as soon as possible. Applications will be prioritized based on the tiers. We will process Tier 1 first, followed by Tier 2, and finally Tier 3.
Awards will be provided on a rolling basis. Students in the above categories will be notified of their award via their MJC student email account.
How much will I receive?
Funds are limited. Amounts will be determined based on EFC and enrolled units. Please referred to the chart above.
Every student who submitted a 2020-2021 by April 2, 2021 with a calculated EFC was consider. In addition, we used the enrollment status as of April 2, 2021.
Modesto Junior College does not guarantee that all students will receive funding.
What expenses can I use the CARES Act funding to help with?
Students may use these funds for the following expenses if they occurred during the transition from on campus classes to remote learning:
- Tuition
- Food
- Housing
- Course materials
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Technology-related expenses (such buying a computer)
How do students receive the money?
Students will receive funds via their Bank Mobile account. Students need to make sure their accounts are set up.
What if I owe a balance to Modesto Junior College for tuition or other fees?
Modesto Junior College will not hold any funds to pay any outstanding balance. These funds will go directly to students. However, students may choose to use these funds to pay any outstanding balance.
Who can I contact on campus, if I have questions regarding the HEERF II emergency financial aid grant?
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Student Financial Services at mjc_finaid@mjc.edu
Total number of students who received the HEERF II grants:
As of April 2021, 5,287 students received a HEERF II grant.
As of May 2021, an additional 928 students received a HEERF II grant.
Total amount of HEERF II grants distributed to students:
As of April, 2021, $4,053,650 were distributed to students.
As of May 2021, an additional $490,000 were distributed to students.