EMERGENCY STUDENT GRANTS
The college awarded $ 8.2 million in federal emergency assistance grants from the Higher Education Emergency Funding Act to students throughout the year .
• In total , 11,500 students received funds administered through 23,000 grants .
• The money was used help students pay for food , housing , course materials , technology , healthcare and childcare .
• Another $ 8.8 million was used by the college for COVIDrelated infrastructure improvements for online learning and to prevent and suppress COVID on campus .
• Students did not have to apply for the grants .
• Grant amounts were prorated based on enrollment and varied based on Pell Grant eligibility and degreeseeking status :
• Pell Grant Eligible : $ 100 per credit hour
• Degree Seeking , but not Pell-Grant Eligible : $ 75 per credit hour .
• Pell Eligible , Clock Hour Program : $ 1,000 flat rate .
• Non-Pell Eligible , Clock Hour Program : $ 500 flat rate .
• Non-Degree Seeking : $ 50 per credit hour .
IN-PERSON SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Students celebrated Spring Commencement with the first in-person graduation ceremonies since the COVID-19 pandemic began .
• About 1,800 students were eligible to graduate with 640 attending three ceremonies at the King Center for the Performing Arts .
• Graduates and guests were required to wear masks and practice social distancing .
• Among those graduating was Bachelor ’ s Degree recipients Laurel Tucker and Alyssa Lovett , friends who pushed through the difficulties created by the pandemic to earn their degrees .
• “ I was reminiscing about being here in 2018 and getting my A . A . Degree . I ’ m so proud ,” said Tucker .
• Also taking part was Associate in Arts Degree graduate Brianna Douglas , who said staying focused on college during the pandemic was tough .
• “ It was extremely emotional . I broke down in tears . I came too far to give up . I just had to keep going for myself and my family ,” said Douglas , who graduated with a 4.0 GPA .
• Said Associate in Arts Degree graduate and dualenrolled student Sam Whalen :
• “ It was a unique challenge , especially when we had to convert to online classes . I was able to pull through with the support of my high school and college instructors and peers .”
• EFSC President Dr . Jim Richey praised the students for overcoming unprecedented challenges and committing themselves to success .
• “ I cannot begin to say how proud I am of you , and how inspired we are , truly inspired , by your strength of character and strong belief in yourselves .
• “ In you I see resilience , fortitude and courage in a grand way . You never gave up , and today you enjoy the rewards of your hard work .
• “ Carry that determination with you in the years ahead , confident that you can overcome any obstacle that life puts in your way .”
PAGE 4 | EFSC COLLEGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS