Bobcat Cares awards $40 million in emergency grants to students for fall 2021

Texas State University has awarded more than $40 million to students for the fall 2021 semester through Bobcat Cares Emergency Grant.

All enrolled students were eligible to apply, and more than 21,000 applications were received by the Sept. 9 deadline. All applicants were awarded emergency grants ranging from $1,100 to $2,600 based on financial need.  

Those emergency grants have had a direct and positive impact on the lives of the graduate and undergraduate students receiving them.

"Because of the Bobcat Cares grant, I have the ability to focus on my studies and future career instead of worrying about how to cover my living expenses," said Emily Vonderharr, a senior majoring in recreation administration. "I deeply appreciate everything this funding has done for my financial stability and mental health this past year."

"Thanks to the Bobcat Cares grant, I have a financial weight lifted off of my shoulders," said Mikayla Dinkins, a senior majoring in advertising. "Now, instead of worrying about finding another job, I can start pursuing internships and expanding my horizons."

"I am eternally grateful to receive this grant that has lightened my financial burden," said Alejandra Hernandez, a graduate student working on her master's in advanced practice leadership. "I am pursuing a career in social work and this support has helped me further my education and my dream."

"Being blessed with the Bobcat Cares grant has truly brought some light upon my recent and darkest situations," said Atrion Crook, a senior majoring in biology. "Times like these makes me proud to say I'm a Bobcat. Thank you, Texas State, and go Bobcats!"

Dating back to the spring 2020 semester, Texas State has awarded a total of $73.7 million in Bobcat Cares COVID-19 relief to students. The emergency grants included $15.9 million via the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund I (HEERF) authorized by the federal CARES Act awarded to 17,672 students in May 2020; $2.9 million via the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund as authorized by the federal CARES Act awarded to 3,000 students in October 2020; $9.4 million via HEERF II awarded to 15,284 students in March 2021; $5.2 million via HEERF II to awarded 5,578 students during Summer 2021; and $40 million via HEERF III awarded to 21,003 students during fall 2021.