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Congresswoman Trahan announces nearly $82 Million in American Rescue Plan funding for area colleges and students

Congresswoman Trahan announces nearly $82 Million in American Rescue Plan funding for area colleges and students

LOWELL — Congresswoman Lori Trahan announced $81,819,954 in emergency funding for colleges, including Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College, and students in Massachusetts’ Third Congressional District under the American Rescue Plan.

The relief funding will help local colleges address severe financial challenges caused by 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 hardships. The American Rescue Plan allocated $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide.

“The success of our local colleges is critical to the success of both our students and our community,” said Trahan. “I’m proud of my vote for the American Rescue Plan, which makes a historic investment in education that will secure the future of these institutions and provide struggling students with urgent relief that will empower them to stay in school, stay on track, and complete their education. This critical support will be key as we work to not only defeat COVID-19, but also build back better than before the pandemic.

The colleges and universities in Massachusetts’ Third District receiving funding under the American Rescue Plan are:

  • Fitchburg State University: $11,428,049
  • Mount Wachusett Community College: $9,535,328
  • UMass Lowell: $27,551,474
  • Merrimack College: $7,228,654
  • Middlesex Community College: $13,649,527
  • Northern Essex Community College: $12,426,922

To read more about emergency education funding under the American Rescue Plan, CLICK HERE. More information on university funding can be accessed by clicking HERE.