As COVID-19 spreads throughout the country and colleges close, finances can be hard to balance. Texas A&M Kingsville can help college students who are in of need financial help through the Javelina Student Emergency Relief Fund.
“The Emergency Grant process was established a few years ago,” Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Kirsten Compary said. “We offer up to $250 per academic year to individuals who experience an unforeseen financial burden that may prevent them from continuing in school.”
An online effort to reach $20,000 in donations for the relief fund is underway. As of March 26, $19,550 had been raised to help students
Javelinas can file for the grant online.
“Students who are experiencing extenuating circumstances as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to submit a ‘Request for Financial Assistance due to Hardship and Unforeseen Circumstances’ via our online request form at http://www.tamuk.edu/enrollment-management/finaid/resources/financial-assistance-request.html,” Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid Raul Cavazos said.
There are limitations as to what qualifies as “financial stress.”
“The financial stress must be unforeseen, thus we cannot use it for tuition, books, housing, meal plans, etc., as those are expected expenses when coming to college” Compary said. “The amount of the award granted is determined by the amount of funding available, as well as the documented needs from the students.”
More than 420 applications for emergency grants have been submitted in the past week. A committee will oversee applications within the next few weeks to determine which students qualify and how much can be granted to an individual based on the available funds.
“Students should also inquire with their Financial Aid advisor if they are expecting a significant change in their financial status/need,” Compary said.
“Financial Aid will review case by case and determine if a student qualifies for any additional aid.”
To donate to the fund, visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/TexasAMUniversityKingsvilleFoundation/javelina-student-emergency-relief#updates