As students prepare to return for West Texas A&M University’s spring semester, crucial financial aid is still available for the asking.

Through the WT Cares program, funds provided by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund may be used to address unique needs and financial hardships resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, including tuition and fees, housing and food insecurity, medical expenses, and lack of educational support and supplies, including technology.

“The WT Cares program allows the student to direct the University to apply their grants to their tuition and fee balances, outstanding book costs, and loans,” said Randy Rikel, vice president for business and finance.

Students enrolled for the spring 2022 semester will be eligible to receive grants up to $1,500 for full-time, Pell Grant-eligible students, and $1,200 for all other full-time students. Part-time students are eligible for one-half the grant their full-time peers can receive.

WT Cares grant funds will be available until March 31.

Spring 2022 classes begin Jan. 10.

Students with immediate needs for spring 2022 can apply for WT Cares grants immediately. Any funding provided through these grants are not considered estimated financial aid and will not count as estimated financial assistance towards cost of attendance or the calculation of the expected family contribution.

In addition, students are not required to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form on file, though without a FAFSA, it will take more time to determine a student’s eligibility.

Students also will be screened based on the number of credit hours attempted and other Department of Education criteria.

For information on the grants and to apply, visit wtamu.edu/cares.

Being responsive to student needs is a critical component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World. That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised about $85 million.

-West Texas A&M University