Using money allocated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), San Bernardino Valley College has been able to offer direct aid assistance to students, purchase personal protective equipment, and secure an online navigation system that connects students with mental health care resources.  
 
SBVC received three allocations: $3,366,282 for direct student aid, $3,366,281 in institutional aid, and $431,833 in minority-serving institution support. By June 25, $2,841,000 had been distributed to 3,336 eligible students, with the amounts varying based on enrollment status. 
 
The institutional aid was used to purchase anti-viral cleaning and sanitation supplies, hot spots/internet service, laptops, service subscriptions to support online learning, and personal protective equipment for students and employees. SBVC will use the minority-serving institution funds to offer students access to Care Solace, a web-based tool that connects them with mental health care resources and providers in the community. 
 
"As we move forward, I'm sure campus will be looking at highest-priority needs of students to determine where the remaining funds might be best utilized," Joanna Oxendine, interim director of grant development and management, said. 
 
The San Bernardino Valley College Foundation has also donated $180,000 to SBVC, with $5,000 covering transfer fees and the rest going into an emergency fund for all students, with priority given to those not covered by the CARES Act, including undocumented students.