MVCC uses COVID-relief funds to erase student debt

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College announced it has erased just over $1 million in unpaid balances for 809 students via the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

The forgiven debt covers outstanding balances for the spring and fall 2020 and 2021 semesters when the COVID-19 pandemic imposed numerous restrictions across the state that impacted students, particularly low-income students attending community colleges.

“COVID-19 has affected our students’ physical, emotional, and economic well-being,” MVCC President Dr. Randall VanWagoner said in a press release. “Using these funds to help clear their outstanding debt is one way MVCC is removing barriers and providing opportunities for these students to move forward with their education and pursue their career goals.”

HEERF, established by the federal government under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, allowed MVCC to provide emergency grants to students experiencing financial hardship specifically due to the disruption of campus operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The college distributed the funds directly to the students in need to help them enroll, remain enrolled, or re-enroll in college as well as pay for course materials, technology, transportation, rent, food, healthcare, and childcare.

To date, MVCC has distributed nearly $15 million in funding to more than 10,000 students. The college will provide an additional $605,000 to help support students as they return to campus this fall.

Established in 1946, MVCC (www.mvcc.edu) offers 90 degree and certificate programs at its campuses in Utica and Rome. The fall semester begins Aug. 29.