A portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) made available to Bladen Community College by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) will be awarded to all students enrolled during the Spring 2022 academic term. This includes students enrolled in specific Economic and Workforce Development classes and high school programs!

Direct student payments will be made to assist in the cost of equipment, books, technology, transportation, child care, food, etc. unless students choose to apply their portion of the HEERF III funds to tuition/fees for the spring term. The funds will be awarded in addition to any scholarships, sponsorships, state or federal financial aid for which the student is eligible.

Students enrolled in higher cost programs will receive larger amounts as illustrated in the chart below. BCC is committed to helping all students achieve student success. HEERF III funds are intended for any component of a student’s cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, food, housing, health care, child care and transportation.

Do you have questions about HEERF III funds? Please see our FAQ section below or contact the financial aid office.
Lenore Lacy, Administrative Assistant / 910.879.5562 – llacy@blcc.springerstudios.net

Eligibility for Spring 2022

A student enrolled in one of these programs …	Will receive this amount …
Any curriculum program leading to a credential or special credit	$750.00
An eligible Economic & Workforce Development Program	$750.00
Adult High School (Working on a high school diploma at BCC)	$250.00
Bladen Early College & Career and College Promise (Must be taking BCC classes)	$250.00

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Am I required to apply for HEERF III funds?

No application is required. All students enrolled for the Spring 2022 will automatically receive an award based on their program of study and enrollment status.

When should I expect to receive HEERF III funds for the spring term?

Direct payments will be distributed during the month of April 2022 for curriculum students (this includes Bladen Early College and Career and College Promise students). Eligible Economic & Workforce Development Program students and Adult High School students should expect direct payment after the census date (10% point of the course).

Do I have the option to apply HEERF III funds directly to my fall tuition and fees to reduce the amount I must pay by the payment deadline?

Yes! In fact, this option is encouraged to finalize your enrollment. You have the option to apply your HEERF III funding directly to your BCC account for your TUITION, FEES, and/or BOOKS! This will allow you to reduce or eliminate your balance instead of waiting to receive your direct payment later in the term. In some cases, the amount awarded will be greater than your account balance for your tuition, fees, and/or books. If so, you will receive a refund for any remaining funds later in the term. If you choose this option, you will be REQUIRED to authorize BCC to apply the HEERF III funds to your account by completing an authorization form on or before the start date of your class(es). Authorization forms are available at the Cashier’s Office in Building 10 and the Financial Aid Office in Building 2.

Note: In some cases, the amount awarded may not be enough to cover your entire tuition and fees balance. You will be responsible for paying any outstanding balance on your account prior to the start of your class(es) or you may lose your schedule.

Will HEERF III funding affect my financial aid eligibility?

No. HEERF III funds are being distributed as coronavirus relief assistance. These funds will not affect any state or federal aid nor will they affect any scholarship awards. No financial aid reduction will occur as a result of receiving HEERF III funds.

Eligible 2021 high school graduates will receive the NC Longleaf Commitment grant. Would I still receive my HEERF III allocation if I am an eligible Longleaf Commitment grant recipient?

Good news! Yes! HEERF III funding is in addition to any other financial aid you may be receiving, including Title IV aid (Pell grants), NC Longleaf Commitment, state or federal aid, or scholarships. Learn more about the NC Longleaf Commitment grant — click here.

Do I have to repay any HEERF III funds received during the spring term?

No. HEERF III funds are treated as grants and will not have to be repaid.