The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) passed by Congress provides the second round of funding under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) during the coronavirus pandemic.  The HEERF II program under section 314(a)(4) of the CRRSAA requires institutions of higher education, to provide grant aid to higher education students, which can be used to cover components of cost of attendance, such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare and emergency costs associated with the coronavirus pandemic.  The CRRSAA requires that the IHEs must prioritize students with exceptional need such as Pell eligible students.  

The total allocation made to AIMS Education is $253,838. AIMS Education has transferred the balance of HEERF-I funds $24,714.58 under CARES Act of 2020, bringing the total available funds to $278,552.58.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements specified below, fill up school application form (Electronic form distributed in class, also available on financial aid homepage) and FAFSA to apply. AIMS Education estimates that approximately 300 students, from the currently enrolled students will be eligible to apply for the HEERF II grants. Students enrolling prior to 02/28/2022 and demonstrates eligibility might be considered on first come first serve basis until funds are available. This is a onetime grant award, student who are not eligible at this time, may apply again if their eligibility situation has changed. AIMS Education will post, a periodical updates on its website, with information on the number of awards made and the total amount of grant funds disbursed, as per regulatory guidance. 

ELIGIBLITY 

• Student must be enrolled undergraduate student at AIMS Education during 2020-2021 (or 2021-2022 If funds available) academic year in a title iv eligible program. 
• Student must be a U.S. Citizen or an Eligible Non-Citizen. 
• Student must complete FAFSA that will be used to measure “exceptional need” to award funds under this program.
• Student must not be at default with any of the Federal Student Aid Programs. 

EXCEPTIONAL NEED

“Exceptional need” can be demonstrated with a Pell eligible expected family contribution (EFC) number on their currently applicable FAFSA. For the 2020-2021 academic year, Pell Eligible EFC ranges from 0 to 5,711, and for 2021-2022, Pell Eligible EFC ranges from 0 to 5846.

AWARDING METHODOLOGY

CRRSAA  requires that institutions prioritize students with “exceptional need” such as Pell eligible students. AIMS Education will use Expected Family Contribution (EFC) data element from the FAFSA as the indicator for exceptional need. Students will be considered demonstrated exceptional need by way of Pell Eligible EFC within the range specified above. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for the HEERF II grant funds, students must have a valid FAFSA on file for their current academic year, or complete either the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 FAFSA, and complete the HEERF II Grant Application form, available here.  Applicant must identify the type and amount of expenses that are relevant to this grant fund. Examples of these expenses includes: 

• Tuition and fees for the academic current terms 
• Paying student account balance 
• Other housing and food costs 
• Technology expenses to support remote learning 
• Other Educational Expenses 
• Unexpected healthcare costs, 
• Unexpected childcare expenses due to circumstances of the pandemic

Application forms without information will not be considered for the award. Student who meet eligibility requirements will receive a notification with the HEERF II grant award. 

AWARD AMOUNT

Award amount of HEERF II grant aid will be based on student’s need measured by PELL eligible EFC (estimated family contribution) from student’s FAFSA on file. AIMS Education has decided to award 25% of Pell award as HEERF II award to all eligible students. Students with EFC above Pell eligible EFC will receive $150 in HEERF II Award. The award amount will range from $150 to $1,590 Max.  

DISBURSING PROCESS

HEERF II funds awarded & disbursements shall be recorded on student accounts as “HEERF II Grant Award/Disbursement” and paid via paper check to be mailed to the student. Students may expressly authorize AIMS Education to use HEERF II award to apply with their outstanding Tuition & Fees. Students intending to do so must make this selection when completing the application form.  AIMS Education will complete the awarding and disbursement of HEERF Funds prior to drawing the funds from the US Department of Education.

FUNDS AWARDED & DISBURSED

$207,300 as of 06/30/2021 to 246 students.
$245,020 as of 09/30/2021 to 284 students.
$278,553 as of 12/31/2021 to 320 students.

As of 12/31/2021 the school has awarded and disbursed all funds available under the program.