Idaho colleges and universities will receive an additional $6 million in federal coronavirus aid.
The spending, approved Friday, could help public and private schools meet unexpected campus needs — particularly emergency student aid and mental health counseling. Money could also go toward infrastructure, such as coronavirus testing, thermal scanners and loaner computers for students.
“Idaho’s institutions of higher education play a huge role in our state’s economic prosperity, and it is critical that we support students as much as possible during these unprecedented times,” Gov. Brad Little said Friday, after his Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee approved the $6 million plan.
Previously, Idaho colleges and universities had received $49.4 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, a $2 trillion federal stimulus law passed in March.
The state’s eight public colleges and universities will carve up $5 million as follows:
- Boise State University: $1,625,400.
- University of Idaho: $864,700.
- Idaho State University: $857,400.
- College of Western Idaho: $618,200.
- College of Southern Idaho: $342,300.
- North Idaho College: $305,800.
- Lewis-Clark State College: $257,000.
- College of Eastern Idaho: $129,200.
In addition, five private schools will each receive $200,000: Brigham Young University-Idaho; The College of Idaho; Northwest Nazarene University; Boise Bible College and New St. Andrew’s College.
