University of La Verne to Award $2.8M in CARES Grants to Students

The University of La Verne has received $2.8 million to distribute directly to students from the federally legislated Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The University of La Verne will provide these funds to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants. Students may apply for these grants of up to $1,500 beginning Thursday, May 7. Complete information and links to the application are available at laverne.edu/cares.

The CARES Act grants are to help cover students’ unexpected expenses resulting from the pandemic, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. The grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds run out. They do not have to be repaid.

To qualify for a CARES Act grant, students must:

• Be currently enrolled in courses that met in person prior to the transition to online classes. Online-only students are not eligible, per federal guidelines.
• Have a FAFSA on file, demonstrating eligibility to receive federal financial aid.
• Be a citizen of the United States. International and undocumented students are not eligible for CARES awards, per federal guidelines.
• Provide documentation of expenses for all grant requests over $750.

“While the University of La Verne community faces a multitude of challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis, we have never taken our eyes off our top priority: our students,” President Devorah Lieberman said.

For the last month, the university has been awarding smaller grants to students in need through its own ULV Student Emergency Fund (SEF), made possible by the generosity of donors. SEF grants are still available, and international, online, and undocumented students are welcome to apply. Students who have already received a grant from the ULV Student Emergency Fund may be able to apply again for additional funding.

Students who need assistance with the new CARES Act grants may contact ulvcares@laverne.edu. A dedicated team is ready to process applications and assist with questions.