Southwest awarded CARES Act funding

By Daphne J. Thomas

The U.S. Department of Education has selected Southwest to receive funding under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act approved by Congress recently. The funds are intended to help college students cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including cost-of-attendance eligible expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The payments will not affect students’ regular financial aid.

Eligible full and part-time students who were enrolled as of March 16 automatically will receive relief funds in the form of a check mailed to them or via electronic funds transfer directly into their bank accounts. No application is necessary. “These funds are critical to help Southwest students continue their academic journey and emerge from this public health crisis ready to compete in the marketplace that awaits them,” President Dr. Tracy D. Hall said.

Southwest students who would like to receive their relief funds electronically may sign up for TouchNet on the Southwest website. Students must have a checking account to participate in TouchNet. Many banks and credit unions locally and nationwide already offer free checking for college students and provide special services designed with students in mind. Learn more about choosing the best checking account.

Tennessee Board of Regents, Southwest's governing body, is formulating the disbursement procedures and Southwest will distribute funds to eligible students in accordance with TBR guidelines as soon as possible.