The U.S. Department of Education is opening applications for new grants under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA). This initiative is aimed at public and nonprofit universities and colleges that did not receive prior funding under a similar program in the CARES Act. The CRRSAA provides about $22.7 billion for higher education, with grants intended to cover pandemic-related costs, support student activities, and offer financial aid to students. The Department will automatically provide supplemental funds to eligible institutions that have already received grants from the previous CARES Act but requires new applications from institutions that did not.
Simple Explanation
The government is giving extra money to colleges that didn't get help last year so they can pay for things needed during the pandemic and help students with their school costs.