For Rivera Early College High School and Texas Southmost College Dual Enrollment graduate Emmanuel Sanchez, this is a huge accomplishment for him and his family as a first-generation college graduate at only 18-years-old.

The associate degrees conferred were in General Studies.

“I was hesitant at first to pursue this opportunity. It was intimidating and I thought it would take up too much of my time,” he said. “But now that I’m done, I’m so glad that I did it. It’s really prepared me and set me up to pursue my dream of going to law school.”

He added that the lessons he learned about time management and prioritization while a dual enrollment student is something he will carry with him going into St. Mary’s University in San Antonio this fall.

“TSC and Brownsville have so many opportunities for students like me if you’re willing to work hard and put in the time,” said Sanchez. “I’m so grateful to my high school and TSC for giving me and my family this opportunity. It was a dream come true.”

TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez calls this a huge accomplishment for these students, TSC and the school districts the college works with.

“We’re proud of these students and everything they have accomplished,” said Rodriguez. “It’s rewarding to see them graduate and know that they got their start here at TSC. And we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

Students like Sanchez begin dual enrollment as freshman in high school giving them four years to complete or make significant progress on completing their pathway, a pathway that can range from general studies to more specific programs such as business or criminal justice.

Sarai Barrera, TSC Early College High School liaison, said dual enrollment students not only get ahead and save money, but they also get exposed to the rigor of a college education and a college experience they may otherwise not receive before graduating from high school.

“Exposure to college is the biggest benefit these students and parents can experience throughout their dual enrollment journey,” said Barrera. “By the time they graduate, students are ready for college by being familiar with processes, workloads and an overall college experience. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Barrera added that it is success stories like Sanchez’s that make TSC’s Dual Enrollment program rewarding and the reason why it’s expanding into other districts beyond Brownsville.

“We are seeing rapid enrollment growth from the partnerships we foster and seeing new districts joining us,” said Barrera. “Dual enrollment is a unique opportunity for these students and one that has a huge impact on their futures. We’re excited to share the opportunities we have for our students with our community.”

BISD Superintendent Rene Gutierrez said he feels proud about his students’ graduation and thankful that TSC has given them this type of opportunity.

“We are extremely proud of our high school students who have earned an associate degree from Texas Southmost College,” said Gutiérrez. “I want to thank our local community college for their efforts and collaboration in advancing our students with a higher education. This is a great opportunity allowing them to earn tuition-free college credit.”

To date, the TWC has awarded TSC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education $57,700 to deliver small business training in the area and since then, TSC has provided soft skills and technical training for nearly 20 businesses and their more than 150 employees. Companies ranging from doctor’s offices and insurance companies to construction and investment businesses have benefitted.

One of the businesses that has been positively impacted by this training is WYCOTAX, a tax and payroll/book keeping services company with offices in Harlingen and Brownsville.

For a qualifying small business like WYCOTAX, the cost of training is covered by a Skills for Small Business grant.

Owner and Chief Executive Officer for WYCOTAX Chris Wycoco said they are entering their second year of training and it has been beneficial to the growth of his 10 employees and business.

“There is always room for improvement because as businesses grow, we must adapt,” said Wycoco. “And these trainings allow us to proactively manage expectations of each other as a company, build our team and improve our skills, that in turn helps us discover what motivates us so we can all be better.”

Since beginning the trainings last year, Wycoco’s team has completed training in customer service, conflict resolution management, leadership, networking basics and phone etiquette.

“In terms of effort and time, this has been a great investment for my employees and company,” he said. “And I’m thankful that the collaboration between credible organizations like TSC and the Leadership Empowerment Group have made it possible for small businesses like us to receive the resources we need to help each other grow and gain knowledge. Our best asset as a business is our people and this takes us to the next level.”

In the coming months, WYCOTAX will begin its second year of training with courses in emotional well-being during a crisis, to assist his employees during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and additional leadership training.

TSC Associate Vice President of Instruction-Workforce Training Joseph Fleishman said this opportunity has allowed the college to expand the education it offers to the businesses in the community and serve their training needs.

“With these grants we have access to identify skills, assess training needs and customize training for the small businesses we assist,” he said. “The goal of TSC and its Board of Trustees is to engage with our community to fulfill our role as a comprehensive community college and these grants allow us to do that.”

Training partner Barbara Hinojosa from the Leadership Empowerment Group agrees that trainings like these help communities flourish.

“This type of training gives our local businesses a competitive advantage,” she said. “We’re barely scraping the tip of the iceberg with everything we can offer. Our region needed this type of training and it’s been great working with TSC in providing this resource and serving our community.”

These trainings are aimed at small businesses with 100 employees or less and the goal is to help increase productivity and help them prosper.

For more information about TSC’s small business training, visit tsc.edu, call TSC Workforce Training and Continuing Education at 956-295-3724, or email [email protected].

The $3,000 donation was recently presented during a meeting of the TSC Board of Trustees.

The donation is intended to create three $1,000 scholarships for students pursing a certificate in a skills trade such as welding, pipefitting or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).

TSC Coordinator for Institutional Advancement Melissa Muzquiz said the number of workers the Rio Grande Valley needs in these trade areas is growing.

“The demand for skilled trade workers in the Valley and throughout the state is increasing,” she said. “We are extremely grateful to the Brownsville Nite Lions for this donation because supporting these students’ educational endeavors can be life changing.”

The long-standing partnership between TSC and the Brownsville Nite Lions has garnered numerous scholarship opportunities for students pursuing a certificate over the years.

Brownsville Nite Lions Marketing Director Joe Ponce said the organization’s scholarship program has been an ongoing project for their Scholarship Chairman Armando Anzaldua that continues to grow.

“These scholarships are created to give someone trying to make a better life here within our community,” said Ponce. “When someone obtains a skill in a trade, it gives them the opportunity to find immediate employment or open a business, which in turn positively impacts our economy.”

In fact, for Ponce, TSC is near and dear to his heart as an alumnus from the college’s electrician program.

“We have big plans to continue supporting TSC and its certificate students. We will always give back to the college that has a tremendous impact in our community,” said Ponce. “We must work to remove any barriers students face so that they can get the skills they need, graduate from college and help us build our community.”

To be eligible for a Brownsville Nite Lions Scholarship, the student must be a U.S. citizen, Texas resident, current freshman with 0-29 semester credit hours, maintain a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, and be enrolled in a minimum of six semester credit hours in a certificate program.

“Many of these students will get their certificates in less than one year and find a great-paying job immediately after graduating because they are in such high demand,” said Muzquiz. “Donations for scholarships like these set our students up for success.”

This is not the first donation SpawGlass makes to the college. Within the last couple of years, the company has donated more than $10,000 to assist students in reaching their educational goals.

“At SpawGlass, we believe in helping our community and recognize the talent we have locally,” said Pamela Straight, SpawGlass field service support/employee owner. “As community builders, we understand the importance of lending a helping hand to the future leaders of our community.”

The funds from this donation go directly toward scholarships for students pursuing an associate degree in architecture.

TSC Coordinator for Institutional Advancement Melissa Muzquiz said this is a great way to pave the way for students in completing their program of study.

“These types of donations provide some financial relief to our students,” she said. “It’s a way to lessen student debt and it’s an investment in their future.”

The SpawGlass Foundation Scholarship is offered to TSC Architecture program students who have completed at least 24 credit hours, are enrolled in 12 semester credit hours for Fall and Spring and six semester credit hours in the Summer, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 or higher.

“We hope our contributions will allow students more opportunities to advance their careers as well as remove some financial burden so students can focus on their studies,” said Straight.

Muzquiz said partnerships with companies such as SpawGlass help TSC continue its mission of providing affordable, quality education for the community.

“Our goal is to have our students graduate and enter the workforce,” said Muzquiz. “This allows growth for everyone. Together, we are helping more students achieve their dreams.”

Straight agrees, “We want to continue doing our part in assisting TSC to develop our future workforce, business owners and community leaders.”

Although their road has had numerous bumps and detours, they are all finding success, and for Maria Osorio also a second chance at life.

Maria and her husband Pablo Osorio are students in TSC’s Paralegal Studies program.

Both Maria, 44, and Pablo, 48, are expected to earn associate degrees in August and December, respectively.

“This has been quite the transition for our entire family,” said Maria. “This is a journey that started a while back and I’m so proud of my family’s strength, adaptability and support.”

Maria is a retired U.S. Army veteran. She served two decades and three deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After her third tour in 2012, Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“On top of moving my family around while in the Army and transitioning back into civilian life, we were also fighting for my life,” she said. “My diagnosis put a lot on hold for everyone, from education to careers.”

For Pablo, a retired police officer, who served 10 years, he took this time to help his family through the deployments and cancer diagnosis, and to be there for his wife one day and one step at a time through treatments and surgeries.

“I’m so proud of my family for overcoming everything we have,” said Pablo. “The opportunities we have found here at TSC is the beginning of new chapters for all of us.”

The Osorios said they have had an invaluable experience in TSC’s Paralegal Studies program and various opportunities that are setting them up for success.

Maria has been cancer free since 2015 and said the experiences she gained while in the Paralegal Studies program and through a five-month internship at a local law firm, has led her to find employment before graduating.

“I’m currently a federal employee, applying what I learn in the classroom in the real world,” she said. “TSC was my jumpstart and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

Pablo has also gained employment before graduating although the current COVID-19 crisis has thrown an obstacle in his path – a furlough.

It was his internship with the Michael Gonzalez Law Firm that led to his position with the Annie Gonzalez Law Firm assisting with immigration, social security and bankruptcy cases.

Even though there is no set date of when he will return, or when court cases will resume, he said he still feels fortunate to have the opportunity waiting for him.

“I sometimes still can’t believe where I am today because of TSC. It all seems surreal,” he said. “I have the chance at a second career, to help others and I feel fulfilled.”

In fact, the Osorios feel especially thankful for the training they are receiving at TSC because it is giving them the confidence they need to pursue careers that will allow them to make a positive impact in the world.

Maria plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science, while Pablo’s ultimate goal is to become a criminal lawyer.

For now, they are focused on completing the Paralegal Studies program, celebrating their recent TSC Criminal Justice graduate and son Emmanuel Osorio and supporting their other TSC Computer Science student and son Rafael de los Santos.

“I’ve always been proud to have my parents at the college with me,” said Emmanuel. “It’s great seeing them pursue their dreams. We’re all very proud of each other. We’ve seen each other fall and rise, teaching us to never give up and to fight the good fight. This is an exciting time for our family and I couldn’t be happier.”

The Osorios agree they try to keep family and school life separate, but one thing is for sure, they push each other to be better.

“We’re competitive with each other, especially Maria and I,” said Pablo. “But this also teaches our children that anything is possible and if we can do it, so can they.”

Maria added, “As a parent, you want to be a positive example for your children,” she said. “And I want them to see that it’s not in our nature to give up, it’s important to help others and that TSC is not our stopping point. It’s only the beginning.”

For the first time ever, a virtual art show was hosted to replace the program’s annual art show usually held at TSC’s International Technology Education and Commerce Center (ITEC) Fine Arts Gallery.

TSC Art Instructor Robert Andes said he is thankful for the support the department has received in hosting the TSC Fine Arts Show.

“Naturally our students were disappointed when they learned we wouldn’t be able to host our annual art show due to COVID-19,” said Andes. “But when they learned about this virtual show and having the opportunity to showcase their art, spirits were elevated and there was excitement. Plus, this gives TSC an innovative edge.”

Students from the Painting II class work on the art pieces displayed at the show all year.

By show time, they have completed a self-portrait and a series of three paintings that tell a story.

“Art is a passion for these students,” said Andes. “I’m proud of the work and time they put into their art and I’m so happy they got to showcase it after all.”

This year’s virtual TSC Fine Art Show highlights 20 pieces of student art, most of which are for sale between $50 and $200.

“We’ve already had students with offers on their pieces,” said Andes. “That’s a huge accomplishment and compliment on their work, especially because most of it had to be finished at home.”

For TSC Painting II student ¬¬Bianca Reyes, this was an invaluable experience.

“If anything, this has shown me that I’m resilient. We’re all resilient and can overcome anything,” said the 19-year-old. “For the last part of the semester, I had to count on my own skills and that grew a confidence in me that I didn’t know I had.”

She added that remote learning and the virtual art show also brought great surprises.

“I’ve already sold two of my art pieces,” said Reyes. “I’m so excited, and it proves that hard work pays off.”

What will she do with the extra $300 in her pocket from the sale?

“I plan on purchasing more art supplies and honing my art skills,” she said. “I’m grateful to TSC for giving us this opportunity and supporting this effort.”

Overall, Andes said the goal of this show, the program and that of TSC is to give students a real-world experience. The art show exposes the students to life after college and allows them to build a strong portfolio.

“Whether the show is at a physical location or virtual, it has positively impacted our students’ art skills and confidence as artists,” said Andes. “It’s good for them to be recognized and let others appreciate their work and what goes into it. One thing is for sure, they are leaving this program ready to face the art world.”

Andes added that he considers TSC’s virtual Fine Arts Show a success. He said the exposure that the students and their art have received is impressive.

“I really hope that this is something we can continue, even if it supplements our annual show at the ITEC Center,” said Andes. “The exposure we have received through this virtual show is unlike any other event and our students deserve this type of exposure.”

The virtual TSC Fine Art Show will run for three months, and can be viewed at https://players.cupix.com/s/7tKzDPUd.html?1588820691.

The COVID-19 Disinfection Specialist Training program is being offered to any small businesses in the TSC service area, which includes Cameron and Willacy Counties, and focuses on fostering a safe working environment for employees reporting back to work and a safe environment for customers

“These are challenging times and TSC has created a training program to help businesses, particularly small businesses, re-open and prosper,” said TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. “This is an important way of promoting and establishing safety plans and procedures for each company, their employees and customers.”

The class, set to begin on May 25, will cover appropriate methods to protect employees during cleaning, disinfection, and general operations; how to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE); how to prepare a cleaning and disinfection action plan; how to execute specific cleaning and disinfection techniques; and how to document completion of cleaning and disinfection processes.

TSC has been working closely with the City of Brownsville and other Brownsville organizations to kick off the training.

“Now more than ever, it is essential to support our small businesses,” said Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. “Texas Southmost College along with our partners, have developed a program that will do just that. This training will provide our local businesses with the knowledge and tools to open safely and with the health of our community in mind.”

The course is intended to provide those individuals who work for restaurants, retail stores, childcare facilities, airports, banks and other small businesses with the most up to date disinfection training so they can remain as safe as possible during these challenging times.

“We’re in a different world now,” said Joseph Fleishman, TSC Associate Vice President of Instruction – Workforce Training. “Businesses will have to adapt to new ways of serving customers and a new type of customer who is now more safety conscious. Through this training, TSC is providing the knowledge and skills businesses need to move forward.”

Employers enrolling workers in the course will be responsible for providing all PPE and disinfection supplies.

The eight-hour online program costs $249 per student and will be offered in English and Spanish. Workforce Solutions Cameron has a limited number of scholarships available to Cameron County businesses, which will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis for up to three employees per company.

“I congratulate TSC for stepping up to provide a training class for our business employers who are faced with a new challenge of keeping their operations disinfected and safe for customers so that they can open for business amid this COVID-19 threat,” said Workforce Solutions Cameron Executive Director Pat Hobbs.

Upon successful completion of the program, employees will receive a TSC certificate suitable for public display at their place of employment. The business will also receive a decal to reassure clients that their workers have been properly trained to ensure the safety of employees and customers alike.

This training is made possible by TSC, Workforce Solutions Cameron, the City of Brownsville and the Alliance Safety Council.

Partners in this effort are Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, and the Texas Workforce Commission.

To pre-register your employees for this training, your company representative should complete the training form at www.tsc.edu. For more information on this program, contact the TSC Workforce Training and Continuing Education department at 956-295-3724 or [email protected].

One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund for schools to use for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic. Texas Southmost College (TSC) has received a total of $1,804,140 to be used as emergency relief for students who are eligible under the CARES Act.

1. As of 5/27/2020, TSC has distributed to students the total amount of $1,246,800 for the Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

2. The estimated total number of 3,133 students at TSC are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

3. As of 5/27/2020, the total number of 3,117 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

What does the CARES Act funding cover?

The following is a list of expenses that can be considered for grant assistance if they were “related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.”

• Food
• Housing
• Course materials
• Technology (such as having to buy a computer when courses were moved online)
• Health care
• Child care
• Transportation

Who is Eligible?

Students who meet all criteria below are eligible to apply:

1. Working towards a degree or certificate at Texas Southmost College.

2. Students enrolled in Spring 2020 who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965

Updates and notifications from the CARES Act:
https://ifap.ed.gov/electronic-announcements/050620HigherEdEmergencyReliefFundRptg

Are there other funds to help students?

Texas Southmost College does offer additional support to students through the TSC Foundation, private donors, federal, state, and institutional grants. TSC cares for its students and will do all it can to help them during this difficult time. Students may apply for aid from the CARES Act and other support.

 

ARP: American Rescue Plan (HEERF III)

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total
$76.2 billion. Taken together, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116–136), the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) (Pub. L. 116-260), and the ARP represent HEERF I, HEERF II, and HEERF III, respectively. HEERF III is structured like the HEERF II programs under the CRRSAA, with certain important differences as noted on website https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/arpfaq.pdf.

Acknowledgment

Texas Southmost (TSC) has received additional funding from the American Rescue Plan and was authorized a total of $7,727,922 ARP funds (HEERFIII) to be used as emergency relief for students on May 14, 2021.

 

CRRSAA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I & II)

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020. In total, the CRRSAA authorizes $81.88 billion in support for education, in addition to the $30.75 billion expeditiously provided last spring through the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136.

On December 27, 2020, the U.S. President signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) (P.L. 116-260). This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education (Department) approximately $22.7 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the HEERF. This law has some similarities—as well as important differences—from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (P.L. 116–136) that was enacted on March 27, 2020.

Acknowledgment

Texas Southmost (TSC) has received additional Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) and was authorized a total of $1,804,140 HEERF II funds to be used as emergency relief for students on January 21, 2021.

Unlike the CARES Act I, the CRRSAA (HEERFII) requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students. However, students do not need to be only PELL recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants. Institutions may not (1) condition the receipt of financial aid grants to students on continued or future enrollment in the institution, (2) use the financial aid grants to satisfy a student’s outstanding account balance, unless it has obtained the student’s written (or electronic), affirmative consent, or (3) require such consent as a condition of receipt of or eligibility for the financial aid grant.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund (HEERF I) for schools to use for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.

Acknowledgment

Texas Southmost (TSC) has received additional Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds and was authorized a total of $1,804,140 HEERF I funds to be used as emergency relief for students on April 25, 2020.

UPDATES ON STUDENT PORTION DISBURSEMENTS:

1. As of April 10, 2023, TSC does not have any changes to report.
2. As of Jan 10, 2023, TSC does not have any changes to report.
3. As of Oct 4, 2022, TSC distributed to 3,647 students funds of $1,586,445 under ARP (HEERF III) to provide direct relief to students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 national emergency. This ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grant funding is in addition to the $9,766,993 distributed previously.
4. As of April 28, 2022, TSC distributed to 3,138 students funds of $2,353,500 under ARP (HEERF III) to provide direct relief to students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 national emergency. This ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grant funding is in addition to the $7,436,336 distributed previously.
5. As of April 8, 2022, TSC does not have any changes to report.
6. As of Jan 10, 2022 TSC distributed to 3,837 students additional funds of $1,918,500 funds under ARP (HEERF III) to provide direct relief to students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 national emergency. This ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grant funding is in addition to the $5,517,836 (which includes the $1,918,500 and the $3,599,336 funds distributed previously).
7. As of Nov 1, 2021 TSC distributed to 3,837 students a total of $1,918,500 funds under ARP (HEERF III) to provide direct relief to students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 national emergency. This ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grant funding is in addition to the $3,599,336 funds distributed previously.
8. As of Oct 8, 2021, TSC distributed to 3,618 students; the total disbursed to students under CARES I & II is
   $3,599,336 includes returned/unclaimed student grants of ($16,302).
9. As of July 8, 2021, TSC distributed to 3,618 students; the total disbursed to students under CARES I & II is
   $3,599,336 includes returned/unclaimed student grants of ($6,520).
10. As of April 9, 2021, TSC distributed to 3,618 students ($2,358,936 in CRRSAA CARES ACT II Emergency Financial Aid Grants). The total disbursed to students under CARES I & II is $3,599,336.
11. As of Jan 7, 2021, TSC does not have any changes to report.
12. As of 5/27/2020, TSC has distributed to students the total amount of $1,246,800 for the Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
13. The estimated total number of 3,133 students at TSC were eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Who is Eligible?

Under CARES I & II: Students who meet all criteria below are eligible to apply Round One (NOW CLOSED):

– Working towards a degree or certificate at Texas Southmost College.Students enrolled in Spring 2020 who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 qualified for Round One of CARES.

– The U.S. Department does not allow HEERF II Student Emergency Aid Grants to be awarded to International Students, undocumented or DACA Students and student who left the university prior to March 13, 2020.

– The following expenses that can be considered for grant assistance under CARES (I&II) include food, housing, course materials, technology (such as having to buy a computer when courses were moved online), health care, child care, transportation.

– Students may elect to have funds go to an outstanding account balance if student gives authorization (CARES II)

Under ARP, Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible.

• Students are no longer required to be eligible for Title IV student financial aid in order to receive HEERF grants to students.

• Students who are or were enrolled in an institution of higher education during the COVID-19 national emergency (on or after the date of the declaration of the national emergency March 13, 2020) are eligible for emergency financial aid grants from the HEERF, regardless of whether they completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or are eligible for Title IV. As under the CRRSAA, institutions are directed with the ARP funds to prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants or are undergraduates with extraordinary financial circumstances in awarding emergency financial aid grants to students.

• Beyond Pell eligibility, other types of exceptional need could include students who may be eligible for other federal or state need-based aid or have faced significant unexpected expenses, such as the loss of employment (either for themselves or their families), reduced income, or food or housing insecurity. In addition, the CRRSAA and ARP explicitly state that emergency financial aid grants to students may be provided to students exclusively enrolled in distance education.

• The Department’s final rule on student eligibility for HEERF states that all students who are or were enrolled in an institution of higher education during theCOVID-19 national emergency are eligible for emergency financial aid grants from the HEERF, regardless of whether they completed a FAFSA or are eligible for Title IV. That includes citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, other DREAMers, and similar undocumented students.

• International students may also receive HEERF. However, institutions must ensure that funds go to students who have exceptional need. The Department encourages institutions to prioritize domestic students, especially undergraduates, in allocating this funding. This includes citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, other DREAMers, and similar undocumented students.

• Students studying abroad may receive HEERF emergency financial aid grants from the recipient institution where they are enrolled. These students must meet the criteria based on prioritizing exceptional need that the institution has established for distributing its HEERF emergency financial aid grants.

For more information on the HEERFI, II, III, please visit the Department of Education at:

ARP: American Rescue Plan (HEERF III) (ed.gov)

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/caresact.html

Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, III (a)(1) Institutional Portion Reporting updated on April 10, 2023

00364300 HEERF Q12023 041023
00364300_HEERF_Q12022_022323
00364300_HEERF_Q32021_022323
00364300_HEERF_Q42021_022323
00364300_HEERF_Q42022_011023
00364300_HEERF_Q32022_101022
00364300_HEERF_Q22022_070822
HEERF Quarterly Report through March 31, 2022
HEERF Quarterly Report through December 31, 2021
Updated HEERF Quarterly Report through September 30, 2021
HEERF Quarterly Report through September 30, 2021
HEERF Quarterly Report through September 30, 2021
HEERF Quarterly Report through March 31, 2021
HEERF Quarterly Report through December 31, 2020
HEERF Quarterly Report through September 30, 2020

For recipients of the CARES Act – Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I & II) Institutional portion, recipients must comply with all reporting requirements and fill out the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form and publicly report it on institution’s website. The quarterly expenditure reports are posted accordingly.

Texas Southmost College was awarded funding in the amount of $1,804,140 from the Department of Education pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Institutional Portion on May 4, 2020 and the college was also awarded $6,970,294 on Jan 19, 2021. On May 14, 2021, Texas Southmost College was awarded an additional $7,708,772 HEERF III funds to be used for institutional relief.

As of April 10, 2023, Texas Southmost College expended ($1,473,106) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I, II & III as noted on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period Jan 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023.

As of Jan 10, 2023, Texas Southmost College expended ($441,778) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I, II & III as noted on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period Oct 1, 2022 through Dec 31, 2022.

As of Oct 10, 2022, Texas Southmost College expended ($590,052) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I, II & III as noted on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period July 1, 2022 through Sept 30, 2022.

As of July 8, 2022, Texas Southmost College expended ($980,778) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I, II & III as noted on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period April 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022.

As of April 7, 2022, Texas Southmost College expended ($2,119,838) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I & II & III as noted on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period Jan 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022.

As of Jan 10, 2022, Texas Southmost College expended ($1,320,994) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I & II & III as noted on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period Oct 1, 2021 through Dec 31, 2021.

As of Oct 8, 2021 Texas Southmost College ($3,139,950) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I & II & III as noted on the updated Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.

As of April 12, 2021, Texas Southmost College expended ($2,810,015) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act I & II as noted on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period January 1 through March 31, 2021. This quarterly report was updated on July 8, 2021.

As of December 31, 2020, Texas Southmost College has expended ($155,803) Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act. The Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period through October 1 through December 31, 2020 is posted.

As of September 30, 2020, Texas Southmost College has not expended Institutional Funds under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act as noted on the first Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting form for period through Sept 30, 2020. For more information on the CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, please refer to U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/caresact.html

ARP: American Rescue Plan (HEERF III) (ed.gov)

CRRS AA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II)

Are there other funds to help students?

Texas Southmost College does offer additional support to students through the TSC Foundation, private donors, federal, state, and institutional grants. TSC cares for its students and will do all it can to help them during this difficult time. Students may apply for aid from the CARES Act and other support.

Last updated April 10, 2023.