BRUNSWICK, GA, August 10, 2021 - Those who may be hesitant about going back to college because of financial hardships, will be able to find some relief through the College of Coastal Georgia’s Coastal Cares3 Student Grant Program. In order to fulfill the College’s mantra of “every student, every time” the College has established a five-part program to assist students who may be experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is designed to address student need and remove obstacles to help students realize their dream of earning their degree.
 
Funding for the grants has been made possible by the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act passed by Congress in January 2021. Coastal Cares3 provides grant funding to qualifying students through 5 distinct funding opportunities.
             

• The Coastal Cares3 Base Grant Program prioritizes student need based on the estimated family contribution calculation from the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to qualify, students must be enrolled at the College and have completed the FAFSA.
• The Coastal Cares3 Student Emergency Fund provides emergency grants to assist students. The funds will help supplement other amounts already disbursed from other parts of the Coastal Cares3 Grant Program and will address unexpected emergency expenses related to the cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, and child care.
• The Dual Enrollment Grant Program is for dual enrollment students who have reached the limit of their Georgia Student Finance Dual Enrollment benefit and are unable to enroll in self-pay courses. The grant will cover the cost of tuition for up to one three-hour course during the Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 term.
• The JumpStart Grant Program is for currently enrolled students who may not be able to afford an additional course during the semester due to the pandemic. It will cover the cost of tuition for up to one three-hour course during the second session of the Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 term.
• The Ballast Grant provides supplemental aid to students. The grant can be used to cover the cost of commuter fees or pay towards housing expenses for residential students.

 
 
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all and created financial hardships for many of our students. That is why we are very excited to announce this grant program developed to help students pay for college,” said Dr. Jason Umfress, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “We don’t want anyone to abandon their dream of earning a degree. Our students have shown great resiliency during this time and we want to continue doing our part in providing them with opportunities to grow and learn. While these grants may not eliminate all the hardships many are facing, we hope they give students a boost during this difficult time.”
 
Current students and those considering enrolling at the College, can learn more about the Coastal Cares3 Grant Program, their eligibility, and how to apply at https://portside.ccga.edu/cares3.
 
 
For more information, contact Tiffany King at tking@ccga.edu.