Youngstown State University students are now eligible to receive federal funding for pandemic-related expenses.

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Grant provides money to students for any component of their cost of attending YSU, or for emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus such as tuition, food, housing, child care, and health care.

"These grants will greatly assist our students with unexpected expenses during this difficult time," said YSU President Jim Tressel, noting that rent and housing expenses have been especially challenging for students during the pandemic.

To be eligible, students must have been enrolled at YSU on or after March 13, 2020.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit cfweb.cc.ysu.edu/finaid/cares/cares.cfm.

Students must login with their YSU portal ID and password to access the application.

In all, YSU was allocated nearly $5.2 million for the grants via the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act approved by Congress in December 2020.

Students with exceptional needs, such as those receiving Pell Grants, will receive priority in awarding the grants, but non-Pell eligible students also qualify.

For more information, call the YSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at 330-941-3505 or the Penguin Service Center at 330-941-6000.