HCC Textbook Assistance Program (TAP)

Housatonic Community College has a limited amount of funds available to students who are facing financial hardships and cannot afford to rent or purchase their textbooks. Students must submit a completed Textbook Assistance Application for the request to be considered.

The maximum award per student will be up to $250. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis depending on availability. Approvals will be sent directly to the HCC Bookstore and funds will be applied automatically at checkout.

Important Information

• Students must be registered for the semester in which they are requesting textbook assistance. Course registration will be verified after completion of a TAP application.
• Students may submit only one application each semester; the application may contain only textbooks required for the classes being taken that semester. Unfortunately, textbook assistance for a repeated course will not be approved.
• Students must have a current year FAFSA on file to determine Financial Need.
• Applications will be available through the first week of classes – or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

If the application is approved, students can receive up to $250 for textbooks (new, used, or rentals) at the Follett Bookstore. Students can maximize their award by using the book rental option (the student is responsible for following all book rental program guidelines).

Other Textbook Resources

The HCC Library provides access to textbooks, supplementary readings, video, audio, and other materials that have been placed on reserve by faculty. Students with a valid HCC ID may borrow reserve items to use inside the library. For more information visit the Library Lafayette Hall, B114. Click Here to go to the Library Website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for Textbook Assistance?
   Current students who do not have enough financial aid to cover the cost of their textbooks. Your student account must be free of any HOLDS and you must have a completed FAFSA application on file. Students who receive enough financial aid to cover textbooks are not eligible.
2. What can disqualify me from receiving Textbook Assistance?
   GPA less than 2.0 (students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify); a HOLD on account (you must clear any holds from your account in order to qualify); Sufficient financial aid (students who receive enough financial aid to cover textbooks are not eligible); Incomplete financial aid (your application cannot be evaluated until all financial aid has posted to your student account).
3. How will I know if I have been awarded Textbook Assistance?
   An email will be sent to your HCC email address with information on your award and next steps. Students who do not qualify will receive an email with the reason for denial.
4. How much will I be awarded?
   The amount awarded will depend on your out of pocket expenses for the semester (the cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks less financial aid that you have been awarded), as well as the cost of the textbooks that you will need for the semester. The maximum award per student will be $250, and funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available.
5. What can I use my Textbook Funds for?
   Required textbooks for your program (textbooks, workbooks, digital course materials, such as MyMathLab, and e-books). Funds cannot be used for supplies, apparel, food, or anything other than textbooks and the accompanying digital course materials. Funds have no cash value and may only be used in the HCC Bookstore.
6. I’ve been approved for Textbook Assistance… now what do I need to do?
   Approvals will be sent to the bookstore. Stop by the HCC Bookstore anytime during their business hours with your Student ID and a copy of your current semester schedule. Be sure to let the cashier know that you will be using a Textbook Scholarship to help pay for the books.
7. What if I have questions or need help with my application?
   For questions regarding textbook assistance requirements, please contact Sue Franco at