KVCC is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies and organizations to identify and connect students with resources that may provide assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please note that programs, policies, eligibility requirements, and funding may change rapidly. Please carefully review the links associated with each resource and contact the resource organization/agency directly with specific questions and to determine the most current and accurate funding and eligibility information. KVCC is sharing these resources to help students to more quickly identify resources which they may be eligible for. KVCC does not manage, promote, fund, endorse, or authorize the community resources provided and cannot guarantee accuracy or eligibility.
KVCC Resources
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) and American Rescue Plan (ARP)- Student Emergency Relief Grants [these funds have all been exhausted]
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act passed by Congress and signed by the President on March 11, 2021 included $17M for the colleges of the Maine Community College System to provide emergency financial aid grants to their students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.
ARP Act emergency funds may be used for any component of students’ cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus, such as tuition and fees, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care (including mental health), and child-care expenses.
The ARP Act requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. This will be completed through a common application process at each institution.
Additional information: CRRSAA and ARP Grants – KVCC (me.edu)
(Application is in each student’s myKVCC student portal- Finances tab)
KVCC Emergent Need Scholarship Fund
Funded by the Maine Community College System, The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges, and the KVCC Foundation, this fund provides emergency assistance to KVCC students with a specific financial need related to distance learning, food insecurity, medical and housing expenses, and other factors related to social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic that jeopardize KVCC enrollment and success.
Recipients must be currently enrolled in a KVCC degree or certificate program, have completed a FAFSA and have demonstrated unmet financial need (federal methodology) and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Award amounts are generally $400 or less and are determined weekly on a case-by-case funds-available basis.
KVCC Emergent Need Scholarship Fund Application
KVCC Foundation Summer Scholarship Fund
Funded by the KVCC Foundation and MCCS, KVCC summer scholarships are awarded to students with unmet financial need (determined by FAFSA) who do not have a summer Pell Grant sufficient to fund summer tuition and fees. Application Deadline: May 15
KVCC Foundation Summer Scholarship Fund Application
KVCC Foundation Academic Year Scholarship Fund
Funded by the KVCC Foundation and Maine Community College System, more than $600,000 in academic year scholarship funds are awarded to KVCC students each year. One common application allows students to apply to more than 50 unique scholarship funds, each with specific eligibility requirements. A FAFSA and unmet financial need is required for all applicants.
The 2023/2024 KVCC Foundation Academic Year Scholarship Application
Community Resources
211 Searchable Resource Directory
Dial 211 or click to search for a variety of financial resources, benefits, and services
KVCAP Resources
Here is a brand new resource guide from Inland Hospital focused on food resources with some other other social services:
2023 – Inland Hospital Food and Resource Guide with crops (kvcap.org)
And here is a more comprehensive guide from KVCAP that is a bit older but KVCAP says is still mostly up to date:
2021 – Resource-Manual-6-2021.pdf (kvcap.org)
Child Care Choices
Choosing child care will be one of the most important decisions you will make. Maine has resources to help! More information…
Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE)
A Program helping Maine families pursue training and education beyond high school and achieve their career plans by addressing barriers to success. The HOPE Program is committed to helping you reach your educational goals by helping cover costs related to school. Whether you are seeking a short-term training certificate or an associate or bachelor’s degree, the HOPE Program has the tools and resources to help you. More information…
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program offers Fuel Assistance to qualifying households. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) serves Somerset, Kennebec, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties assisting income-eligible households to offset the rising costs of home energy, whether you have wood, electric, gas, or oil heat. The benefit is paid directly to the client’s fuel vendor of choice. More information…
Maine Child Care Subsidy Program
The Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families to pay for child care so they can work, go to school or participate in a job training program. More information…
Maine Community Foundation Adult Learner Scholarship Fund
The Adult Learner Scholarship is intended to help relieve some of the financial burden of pursuing your goals so you can focus on what is important: school. Options are available for students pursuing short-term credential programs or degree or certificate programs. More information…
Maine Equal Justice
Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. This website will direct you to many services and programs available. More information
MaineHousing COVID-19 Rent Relief Program
Maine State Housing has expanded the Covid-19 Rental Relief Program and is again taking applications to help renters who cannot afford to pay their rent due to the pandemic. Some things to know…
- You can apply for this expanded program even if you applied and received funds before.
- It can help cover October, November, and December rent. You can apply for up to $1000/month for each month
- You can apply for October and November rent at the same time (through November 30th) for a maximum total of $2,000 ( $1,000 per month). If you still need help paying your rent in December, you may apply on November 23, 2020.
- Find out more about the program at Maine Housing Authority (including eligibility info) here: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/rental/rentaldetail/covid-19-rental-relief-program
- Jump right to the online applications here: https://mecap.org/rent
St. John’s Food Pantry, Winslow
This pantry has specifically invited KVCC students to use their services. It is located in the basement of the St. John’s Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow. Call for schedule and availability: 207-680-6422
Community Resource Phone Directory
- 211 Maine- Assistance finding community resources including emergency fuel. Dial or click 2-1-1 (tollfree)
- Bangor Hydro Electric – 1-800-499-6600 or (207) 947-2414 or call your local community action agency
- Central Maine Power – 1-800-750-4000.
- Emergency Charitable Assistance – 1-866-207-4010. (mid-to Downeast Coastal Maine)
- Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) – (207) 626-4684.
- Maine Low-Income Appliance Replacement Program – 1-866-376-2463 or e-mail info@efficiencymaine.com.
- The Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants and General Assistance– 1-800-442-6003, (207) 287-2826, or contact your local town office for more information.
Remote Learning Resources and Tools