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Four Tyler higher education institutions are among several East Texas colleges receiving federal grants to help those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Eight schools in East Texas are receiving over $23 million from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, according to an announcement from U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

The University of Texas at Tyler received nearly $5.2 million with almost $2.6 million for student aid.

UT Tyler President Dr. Michael Tidwell said in a statement he appreciates the leadership of President Donald Trump and Texas congressional representatives in working to provide resources to student success.

“Half of the $5.2 million grant will be awarded directly to UT Tyler students with COVID-19 related hardships,” Tidwell said. “The balance will help cover COVID-19 related costs borne by UT Tyler, so we can continue to focus on providing an affordable, UT-caliber education for all our students.”

Tyler Junior College received about $7.4 million with roughly $3.7 million for student aid.

TJC is pleased to receive the grant funding to help students in need. The college has formed a task force to develop policies and procedures on how to award the student aid portion. Any of the students affected by COVID-19 could be considered for the grants, according to a statement.

“We know that the COVID-19 crisis has caused significant disruption to the lives of our students, many of whom are now facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet,” Devon Wiggins, director of financial aid and chair of the CARES Act grant task force at TJC, said. “We are eager to get financial support to those most in need as quickly as possible.”

The University Of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler received $9,311 with $4,656 for student aid. Texas College received over $2.3 million with more than $1.1 million going toward student aid.

At least half of the grant money has to go toward giving students with emergency financial aid grants to help cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, according to Cornyn’s announcement. The CARES Act gives each institution the power to choose how to award this assistance to its students.

“No Texan should have to give up their education because of the economic effects of the coronavirus,” Cornyn said. “In addition to allowing students to defer their federal student loan payments for six months, the CARES Act provides targeted funding to Texas institutions to help students continue their education – even if that means taking classes online.”

LeTourneau University in Longview received over $1 million total with $525,186 going toward student aid.

East Texas Baptist University in Marshall received over $1.5 million with $778,358 going toward student aid. Wiley College in Marshall received over $1.5 million with $769,319 for student aid.

Kilgore College received over $3.9 million with more than $1.9 million for student aid.