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

Emergency Financial Aid Grant to Students

Are you experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19? If so, you are eligible to apply for FREE money through the CARES grant fund.

The first application round for CARES Act funding has concluded. You'll find information about awards and additional applications periods below.

Riverside Community College District and Riverside City College have signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and assure that Riverside City College 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.

Grant Distribution Information

A RCCD task force in consultation with student representatives determined how CARE Act funds will be distributed based on Department of Education eligibility criteria and need. The application – along with a scoring rubric (see below) – will guide the task force in determining awards. Only students who submit an application and demonstrate a COVID-19 related need will be eligible for monies. Funds are limited.

• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Emergency Aid Plan
• CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions

Summer 2020 Timeline for remaining CARES Act funding:

• Application Open: June 15 - 26, 2020
• Anticipated Disbursement: July 9, 2020

Fall 2020 Timeline for remaining CARES Act funding:

• Application Open: August 31 - September 11, 2020
• Anticipated Disbursement: September 24, 2020

Funding Scoring Rubric

Based on Student Records* (Category Total Points Possible: 9)

• Pell Eligible (2 points)
• California Promise Program Eligible (1 point)
• EOPS (1 point)
• Foster Youth (1 point)
• Veteran (1 point)
• Documented Disability (1 point)
• CalWORKs (1 point)
• First Generation (1 point)

*This information is currently being compiled by the District IE Team and IT using Spring 2020 data

Based on Application Answers (Category Total Points Possible: 13)

• Reduction in work hours due to COVID 19
  • Student (1 point)
  • Family Member(s) (1 point)
• Laid off due to COVID-19
  • Student (1 point)
  • Family Member(s) (1 point)
• Food Insecurity / Hunger (1 point)
• Housing Insecurity / Homelessness (1 point)
• Food Cost (1 point)
• Housing Cost (1 point)
• Technology Expenses (1 point)
• Health Care/Medical Expenses (1 point)
• Child Care Expenses (1 point)
• Transportation Expenses (1 point)
• Other (1 point)

Total Points Possible: 22

CARES Act Application

• Step 1: Login to your Student Portal (WebAdvisor)
• Step 2: Go to the Financial Aid Menu and select “CARES APPLICATION"
• Step 3: Complete the Application
• Step 4: Click Acknowledgement Statement
• Step 5: Submit

Upon successful submission, you will receive notification on the screen and via email.

Applications will be accepted until May 8. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that their applications are considered while funds are still available.

For questions, contact the financial aid office at studentfinancialservices@rcc.edu.