ACC to Receive Over $1M from Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to Support Students

Arapahoe Community College will receive a total of $2,079,610 through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

CARES Act funding will be dispersed in two waves. ACC will receive $1,039,805 in the first wave with funds being directed to grants to support students. The monies will be used to provide emergency grants to ACC students impacted by the COVID-19 crisis for expenses related to their cost of attendance such as course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare, food and housing.  

“ACC will use the funds to help current students stay in school to complete their education and continue to prepare to meet the needs of Colorado’s workforce,” said ACC President Diana M. Doyle, PhD “We will get through this pandemic together and emerge stronger and smarter.”

In response to Colorado stay at home orders by Governor Polis, ACC students and faculty are engaging in remote learning, and staff are remotely supporting students as they complete their studies. All student support services from Tutoring to Academic Advising to Admissions and the Library have been shifted to providing services virtually. Remote learning will continue through spring term. This past week, particular health and safety programs at ACC received clearance to return to on-site learning with appropriate social distancing and protective personal equipment.

ACC offers career training programs in nursing, emergency medical services and healthcare, as well as automotive service technology and other service-related fields. Additionally, ACC provides a wide variety of general education courses to prepare students for seamless, guaranteed transfer into any of Colorado’s 4-year colleges or universities.

Along with the CARES Act funds, ACC also has Federal and State funds available to assist new students who are seeking careers, retraining after job loss, or looking to enroll in transfer degree programs. Visit the ACC website to learn more about opportunities, apprenticeships and other workforce options, or to speak with an Admissions or Workforce & Community Programs team member.

“Over the past 55 years, ACC has had the privilege to train many of the nurses, EMTs, police officers, early childhood professionals, medical assistants, lab technicians, and mortuary personnel that are currently in the workforce and on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis,” stated Dr. Doyle. “We remain committed and ready to serve our communities, including prospective students who want to further their education, and members of the community workforce who seek updated training and skills to advance their careers.”

ACC has seven academic pathways for students to explore, connect and succeed. We have the workforce training, education and resources you need to achieve your academic and career goals. ACC has online classes and campuses in Littleton, Parker and Castle Rock. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing innovative and responsive educational opportunities in an accessible, inclusive environment.

ACC provides an affordable education with instructors who are experts in their field, and with over 100 degrees and certificates to choose from, students can find a focus and reach their goals. Attending ACC before transferring to a 4-year institution is a great way to reduce the cost of your college education. In fact, the cost of community college credits can be upwards of 60% less than 4-year universities.

ACC is here for you. Contact the ACC Admissions Office at admissions [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.4222 or visit our Admissions page.