CASPER, Wyo — Governor Mark Gordon has approved $20 million of federal CARES Act funding to launch the CARES Wyoming College Grant Program. The funds are for students and families affected by “a loss of employment or diminished income,” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a release from the University of Wyoming (UW) on August 7.
UW said the funds will help “stimulate the state’s economy by supporting Wyoming’s workforce through increased student retention and completion at UW, the state’s only public, four-year research university.”
“In this challenging time, it could not be more important that we invest in Wyoming’s future by investing in our college students,” Gordon said. “Students who pause their college education often never return to campus. This is an opportunity to help ensure Wyoming students are able to continue pursuing their educational goals.”
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From the UW release:
To participate in the program, UW students must be U.S. citizens and have been impacted financially by COVID-19. Full-time students will receive up to $3,250 for the fall semester, regardless of their state of residence, including students at the undergraduate and graduate level. For part-time students, the funding will be prorated according to the number of enrolled hours, and all funding will be distributed in fall 2020.
All current and new UW degree-seeking students are eligible. The deadline for new students to apply for admission to UW and secure this additional funding for the fall 2020 semester is Friday, Aug. 21. Students who are already enrolled and qualify for CARES Wyoming College Grant Program funding must apply for these funds on or before Tuesday, Dec. 1.
University of Wyoming
UW said the funding would be distributed as “last-dollar-in” financial aid — after Hathaway, merit or need-based aid, Pell grant funds, or any other scholarships or grants were applied.
“The awards will help cover expenses other than tuition and fees, such as housing and meals, as the pandemic has eroded the housing and food security of UW students. Recipients must commit to comply with UW’s policies to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said UW.
UW said it was creating an online interactive tool for students to check if they are eligible to receive funding. Beginning Monday, Aug. 10, full details and application information will be available at www.uwyo.edu/cares.
UW’s 2020 fall semester begins Aug. 24, with a mixture of in-person and online courses. Adjustments to course delivery modalities and schedules as a result of COVID-19 requirements are now reflected in WyoCourses, the online platform where students sign up for classes.
