Under the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Mississippi was Awarded approximately $575 Million for 48 Colleges and Universities, which Included $270 Million for Community Colleges

(Washington D.C.) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson announced that Mississippi colleges and universities have been awarded approximately $575 in American Rescue Plan funding. This has been one of the largest allocations of funding attributed to colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

The American Rescue Plan mandates that half of the funding be used for direct financial relief to students. The Department of Education expects more funding will be used for that reason. Also, $540 million was allocated to these institutions under the coronavirus relief legislation. The funding is being utilized in Mississippi to serve students and ensure thatstudent learning outcomes are met during the pandemic. The funds have had a profound effect on both the institutions and students. A survey of college presidents by the American Council on Education reflects that 93% of colleges have provided financial support to students at the risk of dropping out and 70% of colleges were able to retain employees who were at the risk of being unemployed.

Many colleges and universities have cleared students' outstanding debt and provided emergency grants through HEERF. The American Rescue Plan has provided a much-needed resource: $270 million appropriated to community colleges; approximately $237 million awarded to seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and approximately $85 million appropriated to six Minority-Serving Institutions. It is my goal to continue to support community colleges and universities to ensure students receive a quality education.