Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF 3)

Public Disclosure Information for HEERF 3

In May 2021, Bellevue College received $7,175,539 to disburse as emergency financial aid grants to students under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF3) act.

• As of June 30, 2021, the college has disbursed $314,905 to 289 eligible students for spring quarter using HEERF 3 funds. Note: additional students received funding spring quarter using HEERF 2 funds.
• As of October 18, 2021, the college has disbursed an additional $745,000 to 818 students for summer quarter using HEERF 3 funds.
• As of Dec 31, 2021, the college has disbursed an additional $1,954,300 to 1,817 students for fall quarter using HEERF 3 funds.
• As of April 6, 2022, the college has disbursed an additional $2,096,667.51 to 1,651 students for winter quarter using HEERF 3 funds.
• As of June 30, 2022 the college has disbursed an additional $2,064,666.49 to 1,597 students for spring quarter using HEERF 3 funds.

In determining student eligibility and when the funds would be disbursed, the college took the following steps:

1. Discussed at an administrative level the amount of funding available, the potential number of students available to receive the funds, and the number of quarters in which the college would like to disburse the funds to achieve the greatest benefit to students through the pandemic
   • Determined that more students would benefit from extended funding through fall quarter 2021
2. Discussed college eligibility requirements for spring quarter 2021 through spring quarter 2022
   • Determined students must be registered for at least one credit
   • Determined that students taking classes under the Basic and Transitional Skills (BaTS) program (ABE, ESL, GED) and students taking high school completion classes can receive funding
   • Determined that the college would not enforce a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement
3. Based on guidance from the Department of Education the college adopted the following student eligibility requirements
   • All registered students taking at least one credit, including international, undocumented, CEO (Career Education Options) and Running Start students can apply for HEERF 3 funds.
   • Students must complete and submit the 2020 – 21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for spring, and the 2021 – 22 FAFSA for summer 2021 – spring 2022, or if not eligible to submit a FAFSA, must complete and submit the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
   • Must demonstrate on the FAFSA/WASFA, exceptional financial need based on the expected family contribution (EFC).
   • International students must complete a separate application and work with the International Education Office to apply for HEERF 3 funds.

In determining which students met the eligibility requirements needed to receive HEERF and how much they may receive, the college established the following procedures:

• Identify all FAFSA/WASFA’s with a 0 – 5000 EFC
• Identify the enrollment level of all registered students with a 0 – 5000 EFC for spring and the 2021 – 22 school year.
• For spring quarter 2021, award all eligible students (except international students) $1150
• For summer quarter 2021 award all eligible students (except international students) $900
• For fall quarter 2021 award all eligible students (except international students) $900
• For winter quarter 2022 award all eligible students (except international students) $1100
• For spring quarter 2022 award all eligible students (except international students) $1250
• Enter all awards into the financial aid management system and disburse funds through Bank Mobile
• Send students an award letter with instructions on how to access their funds
• Send ineligible students an email indicating the reason and how to resolve the issue to regain eligibility

The college also created a website with information about the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, which includes current eligibility criteria and FAQ’s. An email with this same information is sent to all registered students and to the campus community each quarter in which the funds are awarded. The students are also provided with information on how to contact staff if they have additional questions or need assistance.

In addition, the college provides direct outreach each quarter to students who have above a 5000 EFC, and are considered not eligible for HEERF 3 funds. The outreach includes information about the process students can use to ask for a reevaluation of income due to a reduction in income that occurred after 2019.