The American Rescue Plan Act established the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) Emergency Financial Assistance Grants for California Community College Students program.

The SFRF Emergency Financial Assistance Grants program is $250 million one-time funds to provide emergency financial assistance grants for low-income students, enrolled at the California community colleges, who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The emergency financial assistance grants are expected to enable students facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic to remain enrolled in the current term or re-enroll in the subsequent term.

This grant is intended to enable students to remain enrolled and continue with their education by addressing the immediate and emergency needs that include, but are not limited to:

• Loss or reduction of income

• Medical expenses

• Childcare costs

• Technology needs

Grants may be awarded to students who are California residents or are exempt from paying nonresident tuition under §68130.5 of the California Education Code who self-certify* that they meet the following eligibility criteria:

U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens

Currently enrolled in credit or noncredit courses at a California community college

Demonstrate an emergency financial aid need

Qualify as low-income by meeting the requirements to receive a California College Promise Grant (CCPG) or is projected to receive a CCPG for the upcoming term

Earned a 2.0 grade point average at their current or prior institution in one of the previous three semester terms (or four quarter terms) OR Is a student who is receiving additional support or services through a community college’s Disabled Student Programs and Services

*Districts may use the attached sample Student Self-Certification Form or create a similar version.

Each district may establish awarding criteria, award amounts, and procedures to ensure equitable distribution of funds to students.

Districts and colleges are encouraged to proactively contact students who have unmet need with information about the availability of direct emergency aid. Emergency aid should not have a negative impact on a student’s financial aid package and where applicable, the financial aid office should exercise professional judgment to increase the student’s cost of attendance (COA).

Funds are meant to add, and not replace, existing student aid provided to qualifying students.

You can review the full Policies and Procedures memo for more details and funding information.