Press Release Archive
Friday, October 10, 2008
Iowa College Students Receive Disaster Relief Grants
Governor Announces 414 Grants to Help Students Pay College Expenses
DES MOINES – Today, Governor Chet Culver announced that 414 students attending 39 Iowa colleges and universities will receive grants averaging $1,208 to help pay college expenses. This award is being given to students who were impacted by the numerous natural disasters that swept through Iowa this year.
“Iowa families impacted by this year’s severe weather should not also have to worry about how they afford sending their sons and daughters to college,” said Governor Culver. “I am determined that we take steps so that losses caused by floods and tornadoes do not get in the way of affording a college education. The Iowa Disaster Relief Grant is a step to ease some of the financial burden families of college students may face because of this summer’s storms.”
“Governor Culver challenged all State agencies to find resources to help Iowans affected by the natural disasters,” said Karen Misjak, Executive Director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. “I am pleased that the State of Iowa has approved grant assistance to help these students pay college expenses. This funding is crucial in keeping Iowa’s college students on the path of fulfilling their dreams of a college education, despite the emotional and financial hardships caused by the flooding and tornados that impacted Iowa.”
Nearly 700 applications were received for the Iowa Disaster Relief Grant. The State’s commitment of $500,000 will assist 414 recipients from 45 Iowa counties. Student awards were based on family loss from the disasters as reported by FEMA and financial need determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Iowa Disaster Relief Grant is administered by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid). More information about the program is available on the Iowa College Aid website at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov or by calling Iowa College Aid’s information service center at 877-272-4456.