Bay Area Medical Academy (BAMA) is providing this information as required by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). BAMA will update this information no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter.
The U.S. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), Public Law 117-2, on March 11, 2021. This federal stimulus funding is the third act of federal relief in response to COVID-19, following the CARES Act (HEERF 1) and CRRSAA (HEERF II). American Rescue Plan Act funding for higher education is known as HEERF III. Bay Area Medical Academy acknowledges and confirms that we are a recipient of CARES Act funding, and of CRRSAA funding.
Bay Area Medical Academy signed & returned a Certification & Agreement on August 4, 2021, with the Department of Education to accept allocated funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). These critical funds help eligible Bay Area Medical Academy students cover expenses related to unanticipated travel, additional technology requirements, or other needs related to an emergency situation.
BAMA is committed to awarding ARP/ Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III) funding in accordance with guidance provided by ED.
2021 Quarter 4 (Q4) Report:
ARP funds disbursed to BAMA students [as COVID 19 Relief Grant] through December 31, 2021 (cumulative): $1,600
Number of students awarded: 2
No awards were disbursed in Q2 and Q3 as BAMA was disbursing HEERF II funds.
2022 Quarter 1 (Q1) Report:
ARP funds disbursed to BAMA students [as COVID 19 Relief Grant] from January 1- March 31, 2022 (cumulative): $21,000
Number of students awarded: 15
The estimated total number of BAMA students eligible to participate: 115
2022 Quarter 2 (Q2) Report:
ARP funds disbursed to BAMA students [as COVID 19 Relief Grant] from January 1- March 31, 2022 (cumulative): $71,300
Number of students awarded: 82, for some of these students, this was the second HEERF award
The estimated total number of BAMA students eligible to participate:
2022 Quarter 3 (Q3) Report:
ARP funds disbursed to BAMA students [as COVID 19 Relief Grant] from January 1- March 31, 2022 (cumulative): $5,448
Number of students awarded: 5
The estimated total number of BAMA students eligible to participate:
Methodology and Grant Amounts
Aligning with ARP guidance, BAMA prioritized awarding students who were eligible for Title IV funding, and who were identified as having exceptional financial need. Students were required to apply for the fund by completing a COVID-19 Relief Application.
Awards were based on academic status, EFC, and employment status.
Eligibility Determination
All currently enrolled Bay Area Medical Academy students enrolled in Title IV Programs as of August 1, 2020 (the date the first round was completely disbursed), who are eligible to receive federal financial aid, are being considered for emergency grants funded by HEERF II. Prior to the May 11, 2021, ED announcement, BAMA used FAFSA application data to determine historical financial need in concert with current extraordinary need information from COVID-19 appeal applications that were submitted. Based on this, standard awards ranged between $700 and $1,500.
After the May 11, 2021, ED announcement that authorized HEERF III funds for all students enrolled during the pandemic, regardless of Title IV eligibility, BAMA determined extraordinary need using COVID-19 appeal applications only.
Bay Area Medical Academy is using the following method to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they received under Section 314 (a)(1) of CRRSAA: Whether a student qualified for these funds was based on current enrollment status, program, Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as reflected on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the student’s work status.
Standard grant amount awards ranged from $700 to $1,500.
Emergency grants were given to students to be put towards any component of their cost of attendance and/or emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as:
Books and supplies needed for online course(s) completion
Technology needs for online course delivery (Internet, data plan, etc.)
Unexpected medical expenses (including mental health)
Expenses related to moving, rent, or other housing needs
Childcare
Emergency Relief Funds should not be taxable income for the student. Please refer to the following IRS Guidance.