Centenary University began distributing financial assistance earlier this month to students who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the Centenary CARES Emergency Grant Fund. The funding is part of the $1.35 million in federal relief funding awarded to Centenary through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act adopted by Congress in response to the ongoing national health crisis.

The act provides $2 trillion in aid—including $14 billion for the nation’s colleges and universities—to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. In New Jersey, colleges and universities, technical and trade schools, and seminaries are sharing $323 million in aid administered through the U.S. Department of Education. The first installment of each institution’s grant, representing 50 percent of the funding, must be distributed to eligible students on the respective campuses.

The Centenary CARES Emergency Grant Fund mailed $300 checks on May 8 to all eligible students who were enrolled full-time during the spring 2020 semester and were eligible to apply for federal financial aid, as well as several other criteria set forth by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, Centenary students can apply for a Centenary CARES Emergency Grant through the University for additional assistance to cover expenses including healthcare and medical insurance if not covered by their parents’ policy; technology costs incurred to adjust to online learning; losses related to cancelled study abroad or study away opportunities; travel due to family emergency, crisis, or death; standard living expenses including rent, food, essential utilities, and commuting costs; unanticipated childcare costs; and other immediate critical needs causing acute financial stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students can apply for the supplemental aid on the University’s website. Applications for grant funding will be reviewed by the University’s Staff Senate Executive Board on a rolling basis.

“At Centenary, our first concern has remained the health and well-being of our students during this crisis,” said Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ph.D. “So many are first generation students whose families sacrifice to send them to college. We’re very thankful to receive this federal funding to provide critical assistance to ease the financial burden of our students, as well as to assist the University.”