Federal aid is on the way for students affected by Hurricane Florence

(TNS) – Hurricane Florence-affected college students may be eligible for $ 2.8 million in scholarships, announced Tuesday by the US Department of Education.

Grants would go to students who are judged financially in need, with priority given to those who currently benefit from Pell Grants. Emergency money has been made available through the federal grant program for additional training opportunities.

Nearly $ 2 million will go to North Carolina students and about $ 800,000 to students in South Carolina. The money is intended for 38 community colleges and universities in counties designated for public assistance by FEMA.

"Our hearts go to the thousands of North Carolina students whose hurricane Florence has had an impact on life," said US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a statement. press announcing the grants. "The Department will continue to do everything in its power to assist the students, faculty, and institutions of the Carolinas in their work to recover from this disaster."

The grant will go to 24 colleges and universities in eastern North Carolina. They are:

• Beaufort County, Brunswick, Carteret, Craven, Fayetteville Technical, James Sprunt, Johnston, Central Carolina, Lenoir, Coastal Carolina, Pamlico, Pitt, Richmond, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson community colleges.

• Fayetteville State University; Methodist University; Heritage Bible College; UNC Wilmington; University of East Carolina; UNC Pembroke; University of Mount Olive and Barton College.

"These grants are indispensable and will greatly help those students who have the least means to withstand the devastating costs caused by Hurricane Florence," said UNC President Margaret Spellings on Tuesday. "We will continue to work with state and federal officials to ensure that all affected students receive the support they need to recover in order to successfully continue their education."

Jane Stancill: 919-829-4559; @janestancill

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