YSU students offered grants to cover pandemic-related expenses

Students can receive grants of up to $2,000 to help cover expenses related to the coronavirus, according to Youngstown State University.

As part of the second phase of the university’s distribution of funds under the federal CARES Act, awards of between $500 and $2,000 are available for students who were enrolled in an on-campus degree program in Spring Semester 2020 and who incurred pandemic-related expenses for housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare and/or childcare.

Housing costs related to the coronavirus are among qualifying expenses for the grants, according to Eddie Howard, vice president for Student Affairs.

YSU students who held leases in private apartment complexes adjacent to campus during Spring Semester 2020 and incurred expenses when the university switched to remote instruction in mid-March could be eligible for a YSU Penguins CARE Grant. A separate Rent Verification Form must also be completed.

Students enrolled in online degree programs as of March 13, 2020, are not eligible for the CARES grants.

Students can apply online using their YSU portal ID and password.

The grants are the second phase of distribution of funds YSU received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act approved by Congress earlier this spring.

Earlier this month, YSU announced phase one distribution in which more than 3,500 students who received Federal Pell Grants during Spring Semester 2020 are eligible to apply online for the $1,000 Penguins CARE Emergency Grant.

For more information, call the YSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.