Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) this week announced that students at Columbus Technical College (CTC) will benefit from grant funding totaling over $1.2M through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The total allotment was $3,048,137 with funds also being awarded to two other Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institutions:  South Georgia Technical College ($691,171) and Albany Technical College ($1,146,963).  It is expected that allocations will be used at all three schools to enhance specialized training and education, support enrollment efforts, and increase the amount of student financial aid need-based awards.   

“Our colleges faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, which made it difficult to implement effective workforce training, as well as recruit and retain students. As we recover from the pandemic, these colleges, and many of their students, are still faced with strained budgets and economic challenges.” said Congressman Bishop. “These funds will help our technical colleges to bridge their gaps and expand student support services on campus.”

Martha Ann Todd, President of Columbus Technical College said, “Columbus Technical College is excited to receive this level of funding that will be used to increase program access for students to complete in-demand workforce training. At Columbus Tech, 73% of the students matriculating during academic year 2022 depended on financial aid to remain enrolled. These HEERF ARP grant funds will enable the college to provide a safe campus learning environment; provide wrap-around services to address life challenges – such as food insecurity or lack of Internet access; provide textbook vouchers, and support students in both graduating with little to no student debt and entering the workforce in a career that will allow them to be economically self-sufficient.”

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was signed into law on March 11, 2021. This legislation allocated $39.6 billion for emergency student financial aid and other expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.