SAN MARCOS, Texas – There are many reasons people drop out of school, and COVID-19 has been a big one for many over the past 18 months.

That’s why the state of Texas is hoping to help those affected by COVID-19 and get them back to school.

It’s a chance to have their own graduation day which can be one of the most exciting days of your life.

“I walked for the first time in May 2019,” said Neurri Butler. “That’s when I was supposed to be done. I had the credits and everything, but supposedly it boiled down to a minimum of GPA or the GPA from McCoy’s business school.”

Even after walking, he would eventually go back to school.

“So I was just going through the readmission process, trying to find the classes, sitting on the phone with financial help,” Butler said.

The conversations left him wondering if he was even able to finish. The way his financial aid was going to play out meant he couldn’t take the classes in the order he needed.

“It was one of those situations where I needed to find the rest, the money, and then be paid back with financial aid before starting the other course,” he said.

He would have had to find something else. It was then that he found out he was qualified and got a new scholarship.

“To go to school and everything I needed to finish school in the midst of COVID,” he explained.

“The Texas Reskilling Grant, a grant that was awarded because of the CARES Act, is an incredible opportunity. It really is,” said Todd Sherron, oneassistant teacher who helped get the scholarship for the school.

The initial grant was intended to help 1,000 students with up to $ 2,500 to get them back to school and complete their education. Now they allow students to get funding for more than one semester.

“We’re really trying to reach out to those who are almost done, 50% or more, and say, ‘Hey, we have funds for you to come back to school’, and that’s just a great opportunity. “said Sherron.

“It was just a blessing, really. I didn’t really ask too many questions. It’s just going to help me finish,” Butler said.

It helps more students like him reach this exciting graduation day.

“I just enjoy it. I really do,” he said.

For those who qualify, Sherron said the best thing to do is get readmitted and file for the FAFSA. The financial aid office will then select qualified students.

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