Weber State Students Receive Emergency Funds for Fall
OGDEN, Utah – With fall semester starting Aug. 30, Weber State University has awarded a little over $10 million in federal relief funding to help students continue their educational journey in the face of hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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n August, the Financial Aid Office notified 16,207 students they were eligible for HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund) awards ranging from $100 to $1,600. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information was used to determine eligibility and need, and the average award was $621.
One recipient who received notification of a HEERF award last week wrote a note of thanks about the difference the support has made to her life.
“This opportunity has allowed me to continue my education as a single mother and still be able to provide for my two children,” she wrote. “At a moment when I felt I would no longer be able to afford receiving an education, I was selected for this scholarship. And for that, I will be forever grateful.”
HEERF funds are available to help all students with any component of their education, including tuition, books, course materials, housing, food, transportation, physical and mental health care and childcare.
“With all of the uncertainty facing students, removing one of the major roadblocks of how to pay for school by offering scholarships and grant funds has significant impacts on student success,” said Jed Spencer, Financial Aid & Scholarships executive director. “With one less ball to juggle, students can focus on what really matters.”
Institutions of higher education were awarded $39.6 billion in funding by the American Rescue Plan in March 2021 to help students stay in school.
As of June 30, 2021, Weber State has disbursed a total of $18,685,975 in federal relief funding to 11,837 students.
“Attending Weber State is a transformative opportunity,” said President Brad Mortensen. “Through a combination of HEERF funds, scholarships and other financial aid, we are able to significantly subsidize students for the overall cost of attendance. Our goal is to ensure that in spite of the pandemic, our students have the resources to pursue their educational goals. A WSU degree pays for itself. I am excited to welcome our Wildcats back to our campuses in a few short days.”
Visit weber.edu/moneyforschool for more information about financial aid and scholarships.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu