Cooper Directs $95 Million To Support Students During Pandemic

Governor Roy Cooper is directing over $95 million to help support North Carolina students affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The new funding will benefit both K-12 and postsecondary students who have been most impacted by the pandemic. The money comes from North Carolina's share of an education relief fund that is part of the federal CARES act.

According to a press release, about $40 million will go to the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction to hire more public school nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists.

Another $20 million will be directed to support the academic needs of at-risk students and those with disabilities.

The state community college system will receive funding for tuition assistance, while UNC System support will help provide emergency assistance for students needing to complete their degrees.

Many state education leaders have expressed support for the governor's allocation of the CARES funding.

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