Over 2,300 apply for Austin Community College CARES Act student relief in first 24 hours

“The more students who get that complete, the more we can help students with their basics needs,” Buchanan said. “In order to be successful in college you need to be able to eat, and you need to make sure your bills are paid, you need to make sure you have what you need to so then you don’t have that burden and worry and can continue our educational pursuits.”

She said once applications are completed and processed, ACC will work on a 72-hour turnaround to get money to students who are eligible.

For students who do not qualify, Buchanan said ACC has been proactive in fundraising and has additional resources and support opportunities for students.

“We are asking students to fill out one application and then from there we will know how we can support them with the best financial options and resources we have available,” she said.

Other college systems in Texas also received federal coronavirus relief funding in April, including $40 million for Texas A&M campus in College Station, $4.1 million for St. Edwards University, $1.6 million for Houston-Tillotson University and $31.7 million for the Texas State University system. About $172.5 million that went to the University of Texas system, with the University of Texas at Austin receiving about $31.4 million of that total.