BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Thanks to the CARES Act, Whatcom Community College has received $5.1 million available to students as financial aid.
Emergency support ranges from $120 to $1,200 for fall quarter.
However, students who also complete FAFSA or WASFA applications for fall 2021 will be eligible for $2,300 throughout the academic year.
WCC Financial Aid Director Dave Klaffke says it can be life changing, as it was for one 21-year-old student who was working fulltime to support her family.
“She was a student of color and I didn’t realize the kind of benefits she could receive. When I told her she was eligible for it she goes, you’re telling me I can actually go to school full-time and afford it?” says Klaffke. “She just started sobbing.”
The funding is available to any new, returning, or current students at WCC who has financial need.
The priority deadline for fall 2021 is September 7th, but students may apply until October 5th.
Applications may be completed on the Whatcom Community College website.