Community College Money Help Students With Financial Crises

Gov. Roy Cooper says money to help North Carolina community college students facing financial crises complete their degrees or training will come in handy particularly in areas most affected by Hurricane Florence.

Cooper says $1.8 million in "Finish Line Grants" have been awarded to more than 30 community colleges statewide. He announced the distribution Tuesday while visiting Carteret Community College in Morehead City, which was among the communities hardest hit by the storm.

Students can receive up to $1,000 per semester toward unforeseen fiscal emergencies that could otherwise force them to leave school before completing their work.

The money is coming from a federal workforce program.

Cooper asked the General Assembly this year for $20 million in state funding to cover both university and community college students, but legislators declined.