CARES Act Special Circumstances Grant Request

Bemidji State University or Northwest Technical College students who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, who are in need of assistance, and who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for emergency assistance. BSU or NTC employees will determine whether funding is applicable under the CARES Act or other University or College funds.

Fully completing this application is required for consideration. CARES Act Special Circumstances Grants are a one-time grant with a maximum award of $500 per student. Funding from the CARES Act Special Circumstances Grant program may not be used for tuition or to pay a student’s outstanding balance from regularly assessed charges for Summer or Fall 2020 academic terms.

Students Who Are Eligible for CARES Act Special Circumstances Grants:

  • Enrolled Bemidji State University or Northwest Technical College students as of Friday, March 6, 2020 (or afterwards depending on circumstances);
  • Students who have filed – or who are eligible to file – a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
    • For more information regarding basic eligibility requirements for the FAFSA, please visit HERE.
    • For specific information regarding eligibility requirements to participate in the Title IV programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) [20 USC 1091(a)], please visit HERE.
  • Students who have or are experiencing a financial emergency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students Who Are Not Eligible for CARES Act Special Circumstances Grants:

  • Students who are not eligible to file a FAFSA;
  • Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) or concurrent enrollment students;
  • Students who are assessed senior citizen tuition rates;
  • Students who are exclusively enrolled in non-credit classes;
  • Students who were exclusively enrolled in online classes prior to Friday, March 6, 2020;
  • Students who are incarcerated;
  • Students (who are employees and not dependents) who have their tuition paid via employee waiver through Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

As a reminder, BSU students who are not eligible for CARES Act Special Circumstances Grants are eligible to receive emergency grants through the Random Acts of Kindness fund. NTC students who are not eligible for CARES Act funds may have access to limited College funds.

For the latest information related to COVID-19 and how it impacts Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College students, including information about additional campus support and resources, please visit: https://www.bemidjistate.edu/coronavirus/

Mail-in Option

If you are unable to complete this application electronically, you may send a completed application via USPS to the address listed below.

Download the application.

Please note: mailing an application will delay processing your request. 

BSU Student Life and Success
ATTN: CARES Act Special Circumstances Grants
1500 Birchmont Drive NE, #3
Bemidji, MN 56601

NTC Student Success Center
ATTN: CARES Act Special Circumstances Grants
905 Grant Avenue SE
Bemidji, MN 56601