Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)

Status Report

Updated April 7, 2023

Madison Area Technical College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.  The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.

Student Portion – CARES Act

The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students $2,750,035.

As of February 11, 2021, the fifth 45 day report as required by the Department of Education, Madison College distributed $2,750,035 to 3,396 students. The college estimated that 20,036 degree-seeking students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College required students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate if Section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as required by the Department of Education. As required under the CARES Act, the institution must identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and child care due to the disruption of campus operations. The College did this through a self-reporting application with supporting documentation.  To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance (COA) of financial aid recipients was used to identify an average gap in assistance.  Communications via email, social media, direct mailing, website presence, and student groups assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Student Portion – CRRSSA Funding

The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for a minimum of $2,750,035.  An additional $6,736,868 for an approximate $9,486,903 dedicated to student emergency grants over a one-year period ending December 31, 2021.

As of April 8, 2022, Madison College disbursed the required $2,750,035 and an additional $6,736,868 for a combined total of $9,486,903 to 11,199 students. The college estimated that for the 2020-21 academic year 22,019 students who are enrolled in degree, certificate, continuing education, non-credit, non-degree, and dual (enrollment) credit courses or programs are eligible for HEERF II funds if they are a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.  International, undocumented, and DACA students did not qualify for HEERF II funds initially.  Guidance has now lifted that restriction and all students are now eligible for remaining HEERF II and III funding.  Updates are quarterly.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College does not require students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but uses it to determine exceptional need.  Students who do not complete a FAFSA application must determine their exceptional need by completing five question electronic form.  Communications via email, social media, direct mailing, website presence, and student groups assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Student Portion – ARPA Funding

The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for a minimum of $11,205,956.

As of December 31, 2022, Madison College has disbursed $11,205,956 of the required $11,205,956 allocation to 11,075 students. The college estimates that for the 2022-23 academic year that approximately 24,000 students who are enrolled in all degree, certificate, continuing education, non-credit, non-degree, and dual (enrollment) credit courses or programs and citizenship statuses DACA, Undocumented, and DACA are eligible for HEERF III funds. Updates are quarterly.

In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College does not require students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  All students starting in Summer 2022, must complete a five question form to determine exceptional need and receive support.  Communications via email, social media, direct mailing, website presence, and student groups assisted in educating students of this opportunity.

Institutional Portion

The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provides funding to institutions to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.

1. Madison Area Technical College acknowledges it signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education on April 21, 2020 the Certification and Agreement for the Institutional Portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Formula Grants Authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Supplemental funds were added from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriates Act (CRRSAA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
2. The total amount of funds awarded to Madison College from the U.S. Department of Education for institutional expenses is $23,413,211. The amount awarded for the Strengthening Institutions Program is $1,793,992.
3. The total amount of expenses incurred as of June 30, 2023 is $25,207,203.