Florida A&M University (FAMU) will receive an additional $26.3 million in federal stimulus funding set aside to assist historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to help offset losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are extremely appreciative of the work of Congressman Al Lawson and his congressional colleagues who made this funding available,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “FAMU, along with the other recipients of these funds, face formidable financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources will help bridge the gap and allow us to address critical student success initiatives.”
FAMU has received $6.5 million of an expected $13 mil-lion in CARES Act funding to assist students hurt financially by the pandemic. The remaining $6.5 million is in the pipeline to assist the University to make up losses caused by the disruption that emptied residence halls and campuses across the country.
U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) on Monday announced that FAMU is among four North Florida colleges and universities who will receive a total of $29,443,491. The money is part of $1.4 billion set aside to assist HBCUs and institutions serving low-income students.
“Colleges have been hit hard by this pandemic and have had to make changes to the way they deliver education,” Rep. Lawson said. “Congress has taken swift action to support the students and institutions to ensure they emerge from this crisis stronger than before.”
Colleges may use the funds to pay for technology associated with a transition to distance education, grants to cover the costs of attendance for eligible students, and faculty and staff training. Additionally, funds may be used to cover operational costs, such as lost revenue, reimbursements for prior expenses and payroll.
Area colleges receiving funds are Edward Waters College: $2,348,835; Florida Gateway College: $73,484; Florida State College Jacksonville: $711,841.
