Kildee Announces Nearly $95 Million for Mid-Michigan Colleges, Universities and Students

WASHINGTON-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced nearly $95 million from the American Rescue Plan, which he supported and helped pass, in emergency funding for colleges, universities and students throughout mid-Michigan. The funding will help local institutions cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness and other hardship.

A total of $94,555,085 will be distributed to colleges and universities in Michigan's Fifth District under the American Rescue Plan, including:

• Baker College: $18,018,330
• Delta College: $18,648,759
• Kettering University: $3,843,155
• Mott Community College: $19,824,146
• Saginaw Valley State University: $19,906,061
• University of Michigan ‐Flint: $14,314,634

'I have heard directly from local postsecondary institutions during the pandemic about their challenges shifting instruction into virtual and hybrid formats, covering increased costs associated with ensuring safe learning environments and balancing the budget with declining revenue,' said Congressman Kildee. 'I have also heard from students and families who are struggling to pay tuition, while keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table. That is why I supported the American Rescue Plan, which makes a historic investment in our postsecondary institutions and our students. This investment will ensure our educational institutions remain anchors in our communities and our students stay on track to finish their education as we continue to recover and build back a better economy.'

The American Rescue Plan provides $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide.

Students should contact their institutions for more information about how they can apply for emergency grants that may be available.

In March 2021, Congressman Kildee voted to pass the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion emergency relief package to support American workers, families and small businesses during the pandemic. The package provides billions in additional aid to accelerate vaccine distribution. It will also take measures to combat the virus, including scaling up testing and tracing, addressing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies, investing in high-quality treatments and addressing health care disparities.