Texas A&M University-San Antonio receives $5.6M Grant Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)

San Antonio, Texas (04/14/2020) - Texas A&M University-San Antonio will receive $5.6 million in grant funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Approximately $2.8 million of the CARE grant will be reserved for Texas A&M University-San Antonio students to help cover expenses related to the disruption of their education due to the coronavirus. Thanks in part to the swift response of Congress and Senate delegates such as Sen. John Cornyn, funds were allocated sooner than anticipated, enabling postsecondary institutions such as A&M-San Antonio to quickly provide significant relief to students. 

“We are deeply appreciative to Sen. Cornyn and all the members of the delegation for their prompt action that led to this support of our students during these challenging times,” said Cynthia Teniente- Matson, president of A&M-San Antonio. “Our primary focus is our students; this additional support allows them to continue their academic progress. We have already connected our students to this funding and we know that for many of them, it is going to mean the difference between being able to complete the pursuit of their higher education goals or stopping short of reaching their dreams.”

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) provides an estimated $2 trillion stimulus package to battle the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The package includes $14.25  billion for emergency relief for institutions of higher education to respond to the coronavirus. At least 50% of institutional funds must provide emergency financial aid grants to students that can cover eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare. Remaining institutional funds may be used to defray expenses for institutions such as lost revenue and technology costs associated with a transition to distance education.

Funds from the CARES Act grant will allow Texas A&M University-San Antonio to weather both the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while balancing the support and resource needs of students. While grant funds will provide immediate assistance to address the serious and unplanned financial burdens of students, the long-term financial strains of the outbreak will be  felt in the potential for declining retention and lower fall enrollments, and if coronavirus restrictions persist longer than expected, budget pressures may likely require additional federal aid relief.

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Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, A&M-San Antonio is a Military Embracing™ institution offering 29 undergraduate degrees and 14 graduate degrees to over 6,700 students. The University is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. A&M-San Antonio holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Military Times ranks the University No. 35 in the nation for “Best for Vets: Colleges.” Visit www.tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission