April 30, 2020 | Midwestern University
In response to the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, Midwestern University will earmark 100% of an estimated $2.25 million in relief funds apportioned to the University by recently-passed Federal legislation to support the nearly 7,000 healthcare professions students enrolled at its campuses in Downers Grove, Illinois, and Glendale, Arizona.
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27th, 2020, qualifying educational institutions are required to distribute 50% of Federal relief funds to students in the form of cash grants for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID-19, including course material, technology, food, housing, healthcare, and childcare. The remaining 50% of funds are intended to be used by the institution to offset additional costs related to COVID-19. However, Midwestern University’s administrative team has elected instead to apportion the entirety of its CARES Act funding, an estimated $2.25 million, to University students as need-based grants.
“The entire Midwestern University community recognizes the significant financial challenges faced by our healthcare students during this unique period of our history,” remarked Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University. “Because we have positioned ourselves through careful planning to safeguard our University’s infrastructure during challenging times such as these, we have the wonderful opportunity to commit the entirety of our CARES Act funds to our students. As tomorrow’s healthcare team who will work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and other healthcare challenges, our students deserve as much help and support as we can provide. It is a true blessing to be able to have the means to support them in this way.”
The CARES Act is a $2 trillion economic relief package that provides direct economic assistance for American workers, families, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Midwestern University is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.