SBCCD to Continue Online, Offer COVID-19 Student Relief GrantsPage Title

SBCCD Interim Chancellor Jose Torres: "We look forward to learning more about The White House's plan to expand vaccine access to all adults."

SBCCD Board Chair Anne Viricel: "We will offer emergency financial aid grants to eligible students so you can afford to finish your college education and gain new career skills to be successful."  

Today, the San Bernardino Community College District announced that Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College would continue operating mostly online through the fall semester.
 
In an email sent to the campus community, Jose F. Torres, Interim Chancellor, said protecting the community's health has to be the top priority. 
 
"Remaining off-campus, for now, reduces the risk of widespread infection while many of our adult students wait their turn to receive the COVID-19 vaccine," Torres said. "We look forward to learning more about The White House's plan to expand vaccine access to all adults."
 
Currently, vaccines are reserved for people over 65 and essential workers. But vaccine supply is limited, and most college students have likely not had a chance to get it yet. That vaccine process is supervised locally by the San Bernardino County and Riverside County public health departments. Vaccine information is available at sbcovid19.com and rivcoph.org/coronavirus. 
 
Some courses and labs will continue to be held in-person for students training for careers considered essential by the State of California. 
 
The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021 will be virtual. "We are working now to make this day meaningful for our hard-working graduates and their loved ones," Torres said. 
 
Dr. Anne Viricel, chair of the SBCCD Board of Trustees, said many students faced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and paused their education.
 
"We are here for you," Viricel said. "We will offer emergency financial aid grants to eligible students so you can afford to finish your college education and gain new career skills to be successful." 
 
The emergency student grants are part of a budget package approved on February 23 by Governor Newsom and the state legislature to provide Californians with COVID-19 relief. Student grants will be made available around April.
 
The financial aid offices at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College are available to assist first-time and returning students in understanding their options. 
 
The college application period is now open for the 2021 summer term (June 1 through August 5) and the 2021 fall term (August 16 through December 17). For more information, go to CraftonHills.edu  and ValleyCollege.edu.