Frequently Asked Questions

HEERF III

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is HEERF III?

HEERF III is the third allotment of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), which provides financial support to colleges and universities, as well as directly to students. 

To be eligible for round two of the award, certificate- and degree-seeking students must be enrolled in at least one course in a degree or certificate program in Spring 2022. Accelerated Skills Training (AST), Intensive English Program (IEP) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students must be enrolled in an AST, IEP or ESOL program that meets anytime between Monday, January 10 and Friday, April 1, 2022.

How much money can I receive through a HEERF III emergency grant?
Based on Valencia College’s plan, which includes guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education to distribute HEERF III emergency funds, the amount students are awarded is based on which criteria they meet and, for degree- and certificate-seeking students, if they have demonstrated exceptional need.

Round Two amounts are based on the following:

Degree- and Certificate-seeking Students:

  • Eligible students who apply for a HEERF III grant and have a valid student aid index (SAI) of $0 through their 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will receive at least $2,000. (Students must have a 2021-22 FAFSA on file to be potentially eligible to receive this amount.)
    Eligible students who apply for a HEERF III grant and do not have a valid student aid index (SAI) of $0 or students who have not completed their 2021-22 FAFSA will receive at least $1,250 grant.

Accelerated Skills Training (AST) Students:

  • Eligible AST students who apply for a HEERF III grant will receive at least $750.

Intensive English Program (IEP) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Students:

  • Eligible language students who apply for a HEERF III grant will receive at least $500.

Am I eligible to receive a HEERF III emergency grant?

Degree- and Certificate-seeking Students:

Based on the law and U.S. Department of Education guidelines, to be eligible for a HEERF III emergency grant, you must meet at least one of the criteria to be eligible for a HEERF III Round Two grant:

  • Be enrolled at Valencia College in at least one course in a degree or certificate program in Spring 2022.

Accelerated Skills Training (AST) Students:

  • Be enrolled in a Valencia College Accelerated Skills Training program that meets anytime between Monday, January 10 and Friday, April 1.

Intensive English Program (IEP) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Students:

  • Be enrolled in a Valencia College IEP or ESOL program that meets anytime between Monday, January 10 and Friday, April 1.

Can I apply for multiple HEERF III emergency grants?
You can apply for both a HEERF III Round One and Round Two grant. You cannot, however, apply for multiple grant awards (for example: a degree award and IEP award) during the same round.

How can I apply to receive HEERF III funds?
If you are eligible to apply, we will notify you through your Atlas email. It’s important that you stay tuned to your Atlas email account for any updates about your eligibility.

How does Valencia College define exceptional need?
Valencia College defines exceptional need as students with a demonstrated $0 student aid index (SAI) as documented by the FAFSA. 

If selected for verification, students must complete the verification process to demonstrate their $0 SAI. 

When will I receive my grant money?
We will begin processing your disbursement (distribution of funds) on Monday, April 25, 2022.

If you opted to receive electronic refunds from Valencia College, your grant money will be deposited directly in your bank account (ACH) or BankMobile Vibe Checking Account. If you did not opt to receive Valencia College refunds electronically, you will be sent a check to the home address listed in your Atlas account.

Please note: After disbursement begins, it may take up to three days before you receive the funds in your account through electronic transfer, and it may take more than 21 days for you to receive a check by mail.

If you haven’t done this already, we highly encourage you to follow these instructions to opt in to receiving your refund electronically.