College of Coastal Georgia announced its plans for distributing $1.4 million in grants to eligible students through the Coastal CARES grant program. The grants are part of the College's and the University System of Georgia's efforts to alleviate some of the financial stress caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying students will be eligible for one or more levels of funding.

Funding for the grants is being made possible by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) passed by Congress in March.

Students can qualify for up to three separate Coastal Georgia CARES grants based on their student status, level of financial need, and the degree to which the pandemic has negatively impacted their personal finances.

"Many Coastal Georgia students are working their way through college, relying on full- and part-time jobs to pay for living expenses and at least a portion of tuition," said Vice President for Business Affairs Michelle Ham. "Business closures, even if temporary, have meant the loss of much-needed income for many of these students. We want to do what we can to help. That is what the Coastal Georgia CARES grants are all about."

Today's news comes on the heels of some other good financial news for students. Recently, the College announced that it would be waiving most fees for the summer semester. In addition, all College of Coastal Georgia classes this summer will be offered to all students at the in-state tuition rate, the College having decided to waive the traditionally higher online and the out-of-state tuition rates.

"Our students mean the world to us," said College President Michelle Johnston. "Helping them to succeed is our mission and our privilege. If we can lower financial hurdles in their paths to success, we're going to do everything we can to make it happen."