Illysa Davis
It’s now been over a year since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Unfortunately, the outbreak occurred during spring break, where students had to leave on campus apartments, all their belongings, as well many students were impacted financially with many jobs and businesses closing down.

About a month or two into the pandemic, Penn State had given eligible students a CARES Act Grant. This grant, by the federal government, was created to help students in assistance with expenses incurred during the COVID-19 disruption. Those that were eligible received $1,000. There were two rounds of this, the second round given to those who had not received any in the first round. 

Students very much appreciated this grant money as it really helped them out with needed expenses, but still continuing in the pandemic, it was certainly not enough. I’m sure everyone has not expected this to grow worse and continue as long as it has and still is. 

Penn State had recently released that they will be giving another COVID-10 Relief Grant to 23,000 eligible students. This grant will be towards, once again, helping students in their financial needs related to tuition, food, housing, health care, or child care. In this round of the relief grant, students who have completed the FAFSA and are eligible for the Pell Grant will be offered $1,200. Other students identified for aid will be offered $1,000. 

Emails are currently being sent out to those who qualify. It explains that you have to accept or decline it on LionPATH whether you would like to receive the grant. This will be found in the To Do section once you login to LionPATH. You are able to accept/decline or change the amount if you do not need the full $1,200. Once you finish and submit the acceptance, it doesn’t say specifically when it will be disbursed but it should be within a couple weeks at least, like the usual financial aid. 

If you need more information regarding this relief grant or about other financial resources to use, click here.