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Polk State College announced the elimination of $1.2 million in student debt as a way to alleviate financial burdens for students brought on by COVID-19. The nearly 1,300 students who enrolled between March 13, 2020, and June 30, 2021, and had student debt have had their obligations canceled. Additionally, any student debts incurred during this period that had been sent to collections have been eliminated.
“Polk State College recognizes that student debt is a barrier to advancement and has added to student and family burdens during the pandemic,” said Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti. “The College is in the business of eliminating obstacles and opening pathways to improved quality of life. We view this as one more way to help students and our community move forward.”
Polk State College used Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to cover the debt.