Texas A&M University-Kingsville has been awarded over $1.3 million as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s continued recovery efforts to help university students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is made possible through Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF), part of the Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (SSARP). Texas A&M-Kingsville was the only public four-year university in the state of Texas to be awarded in the final round of HEERF funding.
The university’s administration plans to utilize funds to expand campus services to help students facing housing and food insecurity and bolster mental health services available to students.
“We know the pandemic affected many of our students financially, leaving them facing difficult decisions about how to continue their college education,” said Dr. Robert Vela, president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “We want our students to know these funds and enhanced services are just part of the network of support they receive here. We are committed to ensuring all students are successful, no matter what challenges they may face, and we can begin doing so by helping to address their most basic needs.”
A recent survey conducted by the university indicated that housing and food insecurity are significant concerns among many enrolled students. According to the survey, 54 percent of students reported experiencing housing insecurity, and about 42 percent reported eating less because they feared there was insufficient money for food. University officials believe this funding will directly help students grappling with these issues.
“This funding will help us to expand critical support services we have available on campus for students,” said Dr. Rito Silva, Vice President of Enrollment Services & Student Affairs at Texas A&M-Kingsville. “With it, we’ll focus on key support areas that will make the most impact for students while they’re studying at the university.”