HIgher Education Emergency Relief Fund III

Current Iowa Lakes students are receiving payments from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) III, a federal grant funded by HEERF III American Rescue Plan and HEERF II Corona Virus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act. Payments are now being issued to eligible students.

The federal program allows Iowa Lakes to provide cash grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to the COVID-19 outbreak, including things like course materials and technology as well as food, housing, health care, and childcare.

STUDENTS RECEIVING THE GRANTS INCLUDE:

  • Students needed to be registered in an active class during the fall semester. International and high school students will not be receiving a grant.
  • All eligible students will receive $450. Students whose FAFSA indicates that they would be in the range to receive the Pell Grant will receive an additional $500 or a total of $950.
  • Iowa Lakes awarded 890 students for the fall semester for a total of $597,500.

fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (faq)

what are the eligibility requirements to receive HEERF III Student Aid?
  • Qualifying students must be enrolled at Iowa Lakes Community College during the fall 2021 semester.
  • Qualifying students must have submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA before September 8, 2021.
  • Qualifying students must be enrolled in and actively attending at least one for-credit course as of September 8, 2021.
What can I use HEERF III funds for?

Financial aid grants for students may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or emergency costs that arise due to Coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or childcare.

These funds may go toward the cost of tuition, fees, and housing at Iowa Lakes Community College if you give your express permission.

Do I need to pay back the money received from HEERF III?

No. Any money received through the HEERF III fund does not need to be repaid.

WILL THIS FUNDING REDUCE MY FINANCIAL AID?

No, the HEERF funds do not negate nor replace any financial aid. This fund is for one-time aid only.

HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE?

All eligible students will receive $450. Students who received an income level that is consistent with a Pell Grant in the summer 2021 semester will receive an additional $500 or a total HEERF III payment of $950.

DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION?

No, this is a ‘block’ grant given to all eligible students.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE THIS GRANT?

Eligible students have the opportunity to sign up for a direct deposit and/or to pay off their current balance due to Iowa Lakes.

If you do not request otherwise, you will have a check mailed to the address we have on file.

Questions? Let's Talk

If you're in need of assistance accessing this information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@iowalakes.edu or 712-362-7917.