Freeman announces nearly $695K in COVID funding for local colleges, universities

Rep. Robert L. Freeman August 3, 2020 | 4:13 PM

State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, today announced that three local colleges and universities were awarded $694,780 to aid in creating safe and healthy learning environments amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Freeman said the funding is part of $28 million in federal money allocated to educational institutions across Pennsylvania and can be used toward the safe reopening of schools in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may include, but is not limited to, the purchasing of protective equipment, hand sanitizer/cleaning products, equipment or technology to take classrooms online, installation of barriers or other protective devices in building structures, or to purchase health apps to assist in contact tracing and monitoring of students.

Administered by the state Department of Education, the federal funding was based on both the shares of total enrollments by each postsecondary sector and the number of socioeconomically disadvantaged students served by institutions. Additionally, $500,000 of the total funds was set aside to provide relief to adult basic education providers.

“Our students deserve to return to the classroom, either virtually or traditionally, knowing that their health and safety are a top priority,” Freeman said. “These dollars will better equip and position our postsecondary institutions for mitigating the ever-evolving pandemic situation.”

The following institutions in Northampton County are awardees: