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Davids Welcomes Staff and Students Back to Johnson County Community College, Discusses Impact of Federal Relief Aid

June 7, 2021

Today, Representative Sharice Davids stopped by her alma mater Johnson County Community College (JCCC) to attend a welcome back event for JCCC staff and tour the vaccine clinic on campus. Davids met with Dr. Andy Bowne, President of JCCC, to hear about the impact of federal pandemic relief aid on students, colleges, and universities in the Third District of Kansas and how the American Rescue Plan is helping students and staff get back on track.

"It's amazing to see the staff and students getting back on track here at Johnson County Community College and campuses across the Third District thanks in part to the American Rescue Plan's investment in vaccinations, education, and our economy," said Davids. "The value of a good education extends beyond the individual student—it uplifts our entire community. I will continue to advocate for the success of our all higher education students and staff, and I am glad to see this relief aid is making a difference on our campuses already."

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Rep. Davids and Dr. Bowne on campus at JCCC.

Davids recently announced more than $110 million in emergency funding for colleges, universities, and students in Kansas' Third District under the American Rescue Plan—including $21.1 million for JCCC. This funding will help institutions cope with the severe financial fallout from the pandemic and continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding to each institution will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness, and other hardship.

"Johnson County Community College is grateful for the outstanding federal support from the American Rescue Plan. Thousands of JCCC students and families in the 3rd District who were impacted by the pandemic will benefit from the direct aid and support as a result," said Dr. Andy Bowne, President of Johnson County Community College. "We thank elected officials like Congresswoman Davids for supporting this crucial funding to build our workforce and get our community back on its feet."

The American Rescue Plan provides $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide. It also includes nearly $3 billion in additional funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), other Minority-Serving Institutions, and other under-resourced institutions, which will be distributed at a later date. Students should contact their institutions for more information about how they can apply for an emergency grant.

The colleges and universities with campuses in Kansas' 3rd District who will be receiving funding under the American Rescue Plan are:

  • Donnelly College: $1.1M
  • Johnson County Community College: $21.1M
  • Kansas City Kansas Community College: $11.8M
  • Kansas State University: $34.8M
  • University of Kansas: $41M

"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Kansas City Kansas Community College and the community we serve. Many of our students already live day-to-day in financially distressed environments, and to survive during these times had to choose between work or school," said Dr. Greg Mosier, President of Kansas City Kansas Community College. "The funds provided through the American Rescue Plan have allowed KCKCC to update technology to reach and engage students at a distance. More importantly, these funds will provide students financial assistance so they can continue to pursue their college education and future employment. A tremendous thank you to Rep. Davids for both this and her ongoing efforts to ensure quality education and training opportunities for our community."

"As a Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institution located in the heart of Kansas City, KS, the American Rescue Plan allows Donnelly College to support our students, the vast majority of whom are first generation, providing in-person instruction safely and effectively," said Monsignor Stuart Swetland, President of Donnelly College. "Because of these types of grants, Donnelly College was able to graduate 88 students this year with Bachelor's or Associate Degrees, including 32 new nurses to serve the greater Kansas City area."

To read more about the impact of the American Rescue Plan on the Third District of Kansas, click here.

Issues:Education