Davids Announces $110 Million in Funding for Colleges and Universities in the Third District
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced more than $110 million in emergency funding for colleges, universities, and students in Kansas' 3rd Congressional District under the American Rescue Plan. This funding will help institutions cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness, and other hardship.
"As a first-generation college student who worked my way from Johnson County Community College to Cornell Law School, I know the value of a good education, and I'm happy to announce that help is here for the Third District's colleges, universities, and students," said Davids. "This emergency funding through the American Rescue Plan will help stabilize current students and secure opportunities for the future, uplifting our entire community for years to come."
"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 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."
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
Students should contact their institutions for more information about how they can apply for an emergency grant.
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.
To read more about emergency education funding under the American Rescue Plan, click here.