March 18, 2021

U.S. Rep. Lawson Announces Local Colleges and Universities Will Receive More than $283M in Federal Support through the American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) announced state colleges and universities in his district would receive more than $283 million in emergency funding as a result of the recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. 

At least half of the funding each institution receives will be issued directly to students in the form of emergency financial grants to help pay for course materials, housing, food, health care, childcare and other essentials. 

“The American Rescue Package is a critical lifeline for North Florida institutions and students who are facing severe economic strains due to the pandemic,” Rep. Lawson said. “This funding will provide them with much-needed assistance during this crisis as I continue to work to bring additional resources to our district.” 

The American Rescue Plan Act provided almost $40 billion in higher education relief funds, including $2.2 billion going directly to Florida colleges and universities, to support the overwhelming costs that institutions and students face in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The colleges and universities in Florida’s 5th district receiving funding under the American Rescue Plan Act are as listed.

  • Edward Waters College: $5,480,437
  • Florida A&M University: $36,530,662
  • Florida Gateway College: $5,824,065
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville: $56,387,386
  • Florida State University: $80,429,930
  • Gadsden Technical Institute: $109,154
  • Jacksonville University: $6,603,288
  • Lively Technical College: $3,088,004
  • North Florida College: $2,703,796
  • Tallahassee Community College: $27,381,326
  • Trinity Baptist College: $1,283,028
  • University of North Florida: $35,124,000  
  • Total: $204,614,463

The American Rescue Plan Act also includes an additional $3 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), other Minority-Serving Institutions, and other under-resourced institutions. 

  • Edward Waters College: $8,113,251
  • Florida A&M University: $66,850,435
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville: $2,209,070
  • Florida Gateway: $236,419
  • Tallahassee Community College: $1,087,752
  • Total: $78,496,927 

Students receiving cash assistance grants will be at the discretion of the college or university.

###