Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reports for BTC

View 00539000_HEERF_Q42023_01082024 Document

Oct. 10, 2023

View 00539000_HEERF_Q12024_09302023 Document

June 30, 2023

View 00539000_HEERF_Q22023_063023 Document

April 7, 2023

View 00539000_HEERF_Q12023_040723 Document

Jan. 9, 2023

View 00539000_HEERF_Q32022_010423 Document

Oct. 4, 2022

View 00539000_HEERF_Q32022_100422 Document

Aug. 22, 2022

View 00539000_HEERF_Q22022_082222 Document

July 11, 2022

View 00539000_HEERF_Q22022_071122 Document

April 7, 2022

Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) the Certification and Agreement and assures that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CARES, CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
The U.S. Department of Education awarded BTC $1,100,944 in HEERF I (CARES Act), $1,100,944 in HEERF II (CRRSAA), and $3,818,593 HEERF III (ARPA) funding to make emergency grant disbursements to students, for a total of $6,020,481. BTC provided an additional $11,066 from institutional HEERF I funding, bringing the total available for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to $6,031,547.00.
As of April 1, 2022, $3,982,590 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to BTC students per the Terms and Conditions outlined in the Grant Award Notification. $32,000 was distributed during this reporting period (January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022). $20,864 was disbursed from CRRSAA funds and $11,136 was disbursed from ARPA funds. The total includes $900 in unclaimed ARPA disbursements from the previous reporting period that were reallocated and disbursed. BTC has distributed all of its HEERF I and HEERF II funding .
For the spring 2022 semester, there were an estimated 3,876 enrolled students of all types on the day of census (including dual-enrolled, non-credit, and continuing education students) who were potentially eligible for a HEERF grant. During the reporting period, an estimated 2,156 students met BTC’s criteria to receive a HEERF emergency grant. This number excludes dual-enrolled, continuing education, and apprentice students.
As of March 31, 2022, a total of 3,569 BTC students have received an emergency financial aid grant with HEERF I, II and III funding. 63 students received emergency grants during the reporting period.
During this period, BTC students who communicated with the School Counselor and Case Manager were provided an opportunity to apply for a HEERF II grant of $500.00.

View 00539000_HEERF_Q12022_040722 Document

January 10, 2022

Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) the Certification and Agreement, and assures that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CARES, CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
The U.S. Department of Education awarded BTC $1,100,944 in HEERF I (CARES Act), $1,100,944 in HEERF II (CRRSAA), and $3,818,593 HEERF III (ARPA) funding to make emergency grant disbursements to students, for a total of $6,020,481. BTC provided an additional $11,066 from institutional HEERF I funding, bringing the total available for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to $6,031,547.00.
As of January 1, 2022, $3,951,490 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to BTC students per the Terms and Conditions outlined in the Grant Award Notification. $1,785,400 was distributed during this reporting period (October 1 - December 31, 2021), including $2,620 in unclaimed awards that were reallocated during the reporting period.
For the fall 2021 semester, there were an estimated 4,144 enrolled students of all types on the day of census (including dual-credit, non-credit, and continuing education students) who were potentially eligible for a HEERF grant. During the reporting period 2297 students met BTC’s criteria to receive a HEERF emergency grant.
As of January 1, 2022, a total of 3,545 BTC students have received an emergency financial aid grant with HEERF I, II and III funding. 2297 students received an emergency grants during the reporting period.
During the quarter ending on December 31, 2021, BTC awarded HEERF III grants to students using the following criteria:

No application was required from students.
BTC used Pell grant eligibility and enrollment status as factors in determining and prioritizing students with the highest need, as required by ARPA. Full-time students who had received Pell during the fall semester received the highest amount, whereas less than half-time students who did not receive Pell received the lowest amount, as depicted here:

	No Pell	Pell
Full time	$800	$1600
Three-quarter time	$600	$1400
Half time	$400	$1200
Less than half time	$300	$1000

Apprentices and students only taking community education courses were not awarded HEERF III grants. Students must have been registered for the fall semester at the time of awarding in order to be eligible.
Students were notified by email of the opportunity to complete an authorization to have their HEERF III grant applied to their account with BTC.
Students were notified of their HEERF III awards by email. Students who authorized BTC to apply their HEERF III grant to their balance with BTC were sent one email, while students who did not provide the authorization were sent another email.
Additionally, during this period, BTC students who communicated with the School Counselor and Case Manager were provided an opportunity to apply for a HEERF II grant of $500.00.

The following reports are maintained below for historical purposes. Please see above for current quarterly reports.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Reports

Updated information regarding the CARES Act (January 3, 2022):

During the reporting period from October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, $820 in unclaimed previously-disbursed CARES emergency grants to students were reallocated. The total of CARES grants disbursed to students is $1,112,010. 1283 BTC students received Emergency Financial Aid Grants under 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
This is the final report that covers all remaining CARES Act HEERF fund expenditures for Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion funds.

Updated information regarding the CARES Act (October 7, 2021):

During the reporting period from July 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, $2,820 in previously-disbursed CARES emergency grants to students were identified as being unclaimed. $2,000 has been reallocated. The remaining $820 is in the process of being reallocated. As a result, the total of CARES grants disbursed to students is $1,111,190. 1,282 BTC students received Emergency Financial Aid Grants under 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Updated information regarding the CARES Act (April 3, 2021):

BTC received $1,100,944.00 from the Department of Education pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students from the CARES Act.
BTC provided an additional $11,066 from institutional CARES Act funding, bringing the total available for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to $1,112,010.00.
As of April 3, 2021, BTC has distributed $1,112,010.00 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
1283 BTC students received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
The estimated aggregate number of students at BTC that were eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Title IV) and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1783.
Student eligibility for CARES disbursements made during this quarter was established using the following methods:

Students completed an online attestation of need and expenses eligible for Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Students who completed the online attestation and met all other eligibility requirements received an emergency grant of $80.00.
Students who communicated exceptional need to BTC’s School Counselor and Case Manager were provided an application and attestation of exceptional need eligible for Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Approved students who met all other eligibility requirements received an emergency grant of $500 or $750 based on their application responses.

This is the final report that covers all remaining CARES Act HEERF fund expenditures for Section 18004(a)(1) Student Portion funds. BTC will continue to support students with funding made available by Congress via the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations and American Rescue Plan Acts.

View Apr. 2021 Quarterly Expenditure Report

Updated information regarding the CARES Act (January 8, 2021):

BTC has distributed $1,078,650.00 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
1208 BTC students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
The estimated total number of students at BTC eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Title IV) and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1167.

Updated information regarding the CARES Act (October 9, 2020):

In total, BTC has distributed $1,077,900.00 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
In total, 1208 BTC students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
For the Fall 2020 Semester, the estimated total number of students at BTC eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Title IV) and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1315.

View Dec. 2020 Quarterly Expenditure Report

Updated information regarding the CARES Act (August 14, 2020):

BTC has distributed $1,077,900.00 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
1208 BTC students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
The estimated total number of students at BTC eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Title IV) and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1167.

Sept. 2020 Quarterly Expenditure Report

Updated information regarding the CARES Act (June 30, 2020):

As of June 30, 2020, BTC has distributed $1,075,900.00 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
As of June 30, 2020, 1206 BTC students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
As of June 30, 2020, the estimated total number of students at BTC eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Title IV) and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1167.
BTC awarded and disbursed an initial tranche of Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students who exhibited the highest increase in expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic-related disruption of on-campus operations according to the process outlined in BTC’s initial report on May 21, 2020.
A second tranche of Emergency Financial Aid Grants was disbursed on June 29, 2020 to all BTC students who demonstrated eligibility for Title IV aid. BTC determined that a student was eligible for an emergency grant if:
1. they were enrolled at the time of the declaration of the national emergency,
2. they were enrolled in courses necessary for the completion of a program of study which was eligible for Title IV aid during the spring semester,
3. they were maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress,
4. they completed the spring semester,
5. they completed a 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid using BTC’s federal school code, and
6. if their Institutional Student Information Report did not indicate any unresolved conditions precluding the student from meeting Title IV eligibility requirements.

All students who met the above conditions were awarded an Emergency Financial Aid Grant of $500.00.

May 22, 2020

Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) signed and returned to the United States Education Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

BTC has received $1,100,944.00 from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
As of May 22, 2020, BTC has distributed $483,100.00 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
The estimated total number of students at BTC eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 1115.
As of May 22, 2020, 673 BTC students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
BTC used the following method to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act:
1. BTC created a CAREs Act team that includes key student service personnel, institutional research staff, and business office staff. This group is led by the Executive Director of Student Services.
2. BTC’s CAREs Act team created a survey to assess additional expenses incurred by students due to BTC’s campus closure. The survey was posted to BTC’s intranet website for students to complete. Once the survey was posted, notices were sent to students to encourage them to participate by completing the survey.
3. After the passage of the CARES Act by Congress, the U.S. Education Department limited eligibility for Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the Act to students who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Upon receipt of survey responses, the Financial Aid Office determines survey respondents’ eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify.
4. Award amounts are calculated based on student responses to survey questions related to the impact of the institution being closed to the public. From those responses, students are awarded up to $1,000.
5. Eligible Expenses: Expenses related to food, technology (computer, printer, internet fees).
6. Awarding and Disbursing: Awards are disbursed directly to students. Eligible students receive CAREs Act funds in the form of a refund via direct deposit or a paper check mailed to their address on file if no direct deposit has been set up.
7. Disbursement: The first disbursement took place on Monday, May 11. Students were encouraged to sign up for direct deposit both in the survey and the announcement of the funding opportunity.
Beginning on April 29, 2020, a message was disseminated to BTC students via email from the Office of the President. Students were instructed to log in to MyBTC (student portal) to access directions to complete the application for funding.

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Reports

Updated information regarding the CRRSAA (January 3, 2022):

As of December 31, 2021, BTC had awarded $1,080,080.00 in HEERF II grants to 1486 total students.
During the October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 reporting period, BTC awarded $25,180 in HEERF II grants to 49 students. These numbers reflect $1,800 in unclaimed awards that were reallocated during the reporting period.
For the fall 2021 semester, there were an estimated 4,144 currently enrolled students (including dual-credit, non-credit, and continuing education students) who are potentially eligible for a HEERF grant.
During this period, BTC students who communicated with the School Counselor and Case Manager were provided an opportunity to apply for a HEERF II grant of $500.00.

Updated information regarding the CRRSAA (October 7, 2021):

As of September 30, 2021, BTC had awarded $1,056,700.00 in HEERF II grants to students. This number reflects $5,800 in unclaimed awards that were reallocated during the July 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021 reporting period.
For the fall 2021 semester, there are an estimated 4,144 currently enrolled students (including dual-credit, non-credit, and continuing education students) who are potentially eligible for a HEERF grant.
As of October 7, BTC had awarded HEERF II grants to 1,467 students.
During this period, BTC students who communicated with the School Counselor and Case Manager were provided an opportunity to apply for a HEERF II grant of $500.00.

Updated information regarding the CRRSAA (July 6, 2021):

As of June 30, 2021, BTC had awarded $1,044,500.00 in HEERF II grants to students.
For the summer 2021 semester, there are an estimated 1132 currently enrolled students (including dual-credit and continuing education students) who are potentially eligible for a HEERF grant.
As of June 30, 2021, BTC had awarded HEERF II grants to 1460 students.
On March 19, 2021, ED updated its Frequently Asked Questions to clarify that non-degree and non-credit students are eligible for HEERF grants and that the June 17, 2020 Interim Final Rule limiting CARES funding to students eligible for Title IV financial aid did not apply to CRRSAA. Accordingly, BTC updated the attestation for non-FAFSA filers and began disbursing HEERF II grants to FAFSA-filers who were not in a Title-IV eligible program based on the methodology outlined. BTC elected to not disburse HEERF grants to continuing education students.
BTC also revised its methodology to further prioritize students with exceptional need. FAFSA completers were eligible for the following additional HEERF II grants based on their unmet 2020-2021 need (per federal methodology) less previous HEERF grants received during the award year:
- Students with a remaining unmet need of $5,000 or more were eligible for an additional $800.
- Students with a remaining unmet need of $3,000 to $4,999 were eligible for an additional $600.
- Students with a remaining unmet need of $0 to $2,999 were eligible for an additional $400.
Additionally, BTC students who communicated with the School Counselor and Case Manager were provided an opportunity to apply for a HEERF II grant of $500.00.

Updated information regarding the CRRSAA Report (June 30, 2021):

The HEERF I funds made available under the CARES Act have been supplemented by funds authorized under by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA). Funds made available under CRRSAA are referred to as HEERF II. By accepting the funds, BTC agreed to the terms laid forth in the Supplemental Grant Funds for Students Agreement issued by the United States Department of Education, as well as the original Certification and Agreement that BTC signed and returned to the Department.

HEERF II Student Assistance Initial Report

In addition to HEERF I funds reported above, BTC received $1,100,944.00 HEERF II funds for distribution as Emergency Financial Assistance Grants to students.
As of March 31, 2021, BTC had awarded $739,200.00 in HEERF II grants to students.
For the fiscal quarter ending on March 31, 2021, an estimated 1760 BTC students were eligible for an HEERF II grant.
As of March 31, 2021, BTC had awarded HEERF II grants to 1380 students.
During the quarter ending on March 31, 2021, BTC awarded HEERF II grants to students using the following criteria. The criteria were modified in the subsequent quarter based on additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
- Citizens and eligible non-citizens who were enrolled at the time as “regular students” per 34 CFR 600.2 were determined to be potentially eligible.
- Students meeting the criteria above who had completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 – 5711 were awarded $600.00. No application was required. By awarding a higher amount to students who could have been potentially eligible for Pell Grant based on their EFC, BTC prioritized students with the highest need.
- Students meeting the criteria above who had completed a FAFSA with an EFC of greater than 5711 were awarded $400.00. No application was required.
- Students enrolled in a postsecondary credential program for whom BTC had not received a FAFSA were notified by email of the opportunity to complete an attestation that they:
  - had a high school diploma or recognized equivalent,
  - were a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and
  - had eligible emergency expenses related to coronavirus or their cost of attendance at BTC.
- Students who completed the attestation were awarded $400.00.
Students were notified of their HEERF II awards by email. Students who authorized BTC to apply their HEERF II grant to their balance with BTC were sent one email, while students who did not provide the authorization were sent another email.

View June 2021 (Preliminary) Quarterly Expenditure Report

View June 2021 (Adjusted) Quarterly Expenditure Report

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reports

Updated information regarding the ARPA (January 3, 2022):

As of December 31, 2021, BTC had awarded $1,759,400.00 in ARPA (HEERF III) grants to 2293 total students.
For the fall 2021 semester, there were an estimated 4,144 enrolled students of all types on the day of census (including dual-credit, non-credit, and continuing education students) who were potentially eligible for a HEERF grant.
During the quarter ending on December 31, 2021, BTC awarded HEERF III grants to students using the following criteria.
- No application was required from students.
- BTC used Pell grant eligibility and enrollment status as factors in determining and prioritizing students with the highest need, as required by ARPA. Full-time students who had received Pell during the fall semester received the highest amount, whereas less than half-time students who did not receive Pell received the lowest amount, as depicted here:

	No Pell	Pell
Full time	$800	$1600
Three-quarter time	$600	$1400
Half time	$400	$1200
Less than half time	$300	$1000

Apprentices and students only taking community education courses were not awarded HEERF III grants. Students must have been registered for the fall semester at the time of awarding in order to be eligible.
Students were notified by email of the opportunity to complete an authorization to have their HEERF III grant applied to their account with BTC.

Students were notified of their HEERF III awards by email. Students who authorized BTC to apply their HEERF III grant to their balance with BTC were sent one email, while students who did not provide the authorization were sent another email

View 00539000_HEERF_Q42021_121721 Document

Updated information regarding the ARPA (October 7, 2021):

As of October 7, 2021, BTC is finalizing plans for a large-scale disbursement of ARPA funds to students to begin in November. In the meantime, students are encouraged to communicate with BTC’s School Counselor and Case Manager regarding the application for emergency funding from CRRSAA funds. When CRRSAA funds are expended, ARPA funds will also be used to provide emergency assistance through BTC’s Counselor.

View 00539000_HEERF_Q32021_100521 Document

Updated information regarding the ARPA (July 6, 2021):

In addition to the HEERF I funds made available under the CARES Act and HEERF II funds authorized under CRRSAA, Congress has made HEERF III funds available under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. By accepting the funds, BTC agreed to the terms laid forth in the Supplemental Grant Funds for Students Agreement issued by the United States Department of Education, as well as the original Certification and Agreement that BTC signed and returned to the Department. Under ARPA, BTC has access to an additional $3,818,593 to be used for emergency grants to students.

As of July 6, 2021, BTC is developing methodology for the disbursement of HEERF III grants to students. HEERF III disbursements will begin during the Fall 2021 semester.

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