Maine colleges and students impacted by pandemic to receive more than $105 million in federal aid

May 11—More than $105 million in federal funding is heading to Maine to help institutions of higher education and their students overcome the financial harm that was inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergency funds for colleges, universities and Maine students will be drawn from the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan with at least half of that amount going directly into the pockets of students.

Students facing hunger, homelessness and other hardships will be able to use the funds for emergency cash assistance. Institutions will be able to use the funds to cope with the financial hardships the pandemic has inflicted, as well as putting the funds toward serving students safely in the fall.

"Maine students and institutions of higher learning have faced significant financial hardships due to the pandemic," Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine, D-1st District, said in a statement. "This significant educational investment will go a long way to ensure students can get on track and complete their degrees at schools that are operating safely. I'm proud to have voted for this historic aid package, which will help us to defeat the pandemic, support students and build a strong local economy."

Among the institutions in Maine receiving American Rescue Plan funding are: Bates College, $2.5 million; Bowdoin College, $2.9 million; Colby College, $3.2 million; Maine Maritime Academy, $2.2 million; Southern Maine Community College, $11.4 million; the University of Southern Maine, $15.1 million; and the University of Maine, $22 million.

Students should contact their schools to learn how they can apply for an emergency grant.

This story will be updated.