FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHAPEL HILL, NC – The University of North Carolina System announces a System-wide effort to help students in need who are facing unique challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the course of a few weeks, nearly 240,000 students have mobilized in support of state and national efforts to “flatten the curve” of infection. While nearly all have now left their campuses and have transitioned to online learning, some students continue to face unexpected difficulties during this period of upheaval. Many depend on service industry or campus jobs to help pay for their expenses. This sudden downsizing has left many with limited or no means to buy food, acquire the internet access necessary for online courses, or pay their rent. Others cannot afford to travel back to their homes.
Each institution in the System has established emergency funds designed to directly benefit students. The UNC System has also established a portal to direct audiences to each of these sites, where alumni and concerned citizens can contribute. A donation to one of these funds will assist students who are struggling financially due to the ongoing health crisis.
“COVID-19 has disrupted all of us,” said UNC System Interim President William Roper. “Your contribution to one of these funds can help minimize disruption to the academic aspirations of a deserving student.”
STUDENT EMERGENCY AID FUNDS
The following is a list of student emergency aid funds designed to directly benefit students and keep them in a position to continue their education.
Gifts to these funds are tax deductible and will be used by each institution, per the fund guidelines, to meet the various needs of students during this difficult time. For additional information, please review each institution’s website.
APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Appalachian State University has established the Mountaineer Emergency Fund to offer relief to students who are struggling with significant, sudden financial emergencies. Grants for sudden housing costs, food insecurity, unexpected utility bills, child care needs, or essential school supplies can make a critical difference for students in situations that may prevent them from continuing their education.
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
ECU has several student emergency funds working to meet the unique needs of individual students who have encountered unusual financial hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY
Give to the Student Assistance Fund by selecting “Student Assistance Fund” under either the question “What prompted you to support us today?” or “I want my gift to support.”
FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
Broncos Helping Broncos is supporting students who need assistance for housing, travel, and other needs. Vist the website, click on “other” and enter “Broncos Helping Broncos.”
N.C. A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
University Advancement has set up a special fund to assist students experiencing financial hardships related to the coronavirus pandemic. By supporting the fund, you can help provide: food and toiletries; funding for necessary storage fees; educationally-related expenses, including technology needs; and travel money for students to get home.
Make your gift to the Student Emergency Fund to be the difference in the life of an Aggie student. Thank you in advance for ensuring our Aggie students have the resources they need to continue to be healthy and successful.
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
The Student Emergency Fund supports short-term financial needs to students currently enrolled at NCCU who are now facing extenuating circumstances related to housing, food and other vital resources.
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
The Student Emergency Fund ensures that students have access to the support and resources to successfully recover from unexpected financial crises and remain on track academically.
UNC ASHEVILLE
The Student Emergency Fund helps support its students at a significant time of need in their UNC Asheville experience.
UNC CHARLOTTE
The Student Emergency Relief Fund assists current students by providing financial support when they need assistance with unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage or need for temporary housing, natural disaster or pandemics.
UNC-CHAPEL HILL
In order to meet the growing needs of students facing historic circumstances, UNC-Chapel Hill is deploying the Carolina Student Impact Fund to help undergraduate, graduate and professional school students who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNC GREENSBORO
UNCG’s class of ’67 established the Student Assistance Fund for Emergencies to help students facing unexpected needs that may jeopardize their higher education goals. This includes assistance for travel home, food, medical bills, technology that will facilitate online learning, and other urgent needs.
UNC PEMBROKE
UNC Pembroke’s Student Emergency Assistance Fund is ready to help students affected by this health crisis. Donations can be made through UNCP’s Online Giving page. In the dropdown Area to Apply Gift menu, choose “other” and specify “Emergency Assistance Fund.” Students in need of aid can fill out an online application.
UNC SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Emergency funds are available to UNCSA students who experience circumstances that may jeopardize their health, safety and/or performance. To give, select Student Emergency Fund from the designation dropdown menu. Students may apply online.
UNC WILMINGTON
Gifts to the UNCW Student Emergency Fund, which provides relief to students facing unforeseen expenses as a result of this challenging situation.
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
The Student Emergency Fund provides support for students in immediate financial need due to an unavoidable emergency situation. Students may apply online for assistance.
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
WSSU provides limited emergency loans to help students through unexpected financial crises through the Student Emergency Fund. When donating online, enter Student Emergency Funds in the box asking where your gift should be dedicated. Students may apply online for emergency funds.
NC SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
NCSSM’s Emergency and Resilience Fund assists students and members of the community who are facing unexpected financial challenges that impact their ability to continue their successful work as a student or employee at NCSSM. With a little bit of support, NCSSM can help individuals stay focused on their academics and connected to our community.