In the News

Trahan announces emergency funding for local colleges
By ROBERT MILLS 

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan announced this week that $22.3 million in funding from the federal CARES Act — passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — is heading to colleges in the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Fitchburg, Lowell and Lawrence.

The funds are part of $6 billion being distributed by the Department of Education as a result of the CARES Act, which requires colleges getting the money to use at least half of it to help students with the costs of housing, food and other needs. That aid will come in the form of “emergency financial aid grants” paid directly to students. An addition $8 billion will be distributed at a later date.

“Like every person and small business in America, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed college students and their schools under incredible financial stress,” Trahan said in a press release. “I was proud to cast my vote for the CARES Act, which allocated $14 billion in financial assistance for institutions of higher education and their students, as well as immediate release for student borrowers. These funds are a much-needed boost for schools in the 3rd District, and the Department of Education should move quickly to disburse the remaining $8 billion.”

UMass Lowell will receive about $8.9 million, with about $4.5 million going toward grants for students; Fitchburg State University will get about $3.9 million, with about $2 million going to students; and Middlesex Community College will get about $3.7 million, with about $1.9 million going to students, according to a press release.

Northern Essex Community College will get about $3.2 million with about $1.6 million going to students, and Mount Wachusett Community College will get about $2.5 million with about $1.3 million going to students, according to a press release.