Spring Break
CSU to create emergency fund for students facing economic hardships
Emily Johnson
Issue date: 3/23/09 Section: News
In response to a growing number of upperclassmen dropping out of school to pay their bills, CSU's Advancement and Strategic Initiative started the Student Support Grant to give students a financial boost to complete their education.
Leaders of ASI said there are numerous scenarios that force students to drop out - some need to work to pay for classes or bills, others' parents have lost their jobs - and that the new "emergency fund" will help many to combat the effects of these scenarios and finish their degrees.
"The value of a college education is more important than ever, but for many students who are facing financial hardships, the dream of a CSU degree is suddenly in jeopardy," said Joyce Berry, vice president of CSU's Advancement and Strategic Initiatives.
The new grant, created this year, will help qualifying students in need once per year. Preference will be given to Colorado residents who are seeking a degree. Other requirements are that:
A student is enrolled at least half-time
Carries a 2.0 grade average
Must have applied for financial aid.
There is no application deadline and any student who has a need for the grant can go to the ASI office located in the Department of Business and Financial Services or call (970) 491-3403 to apply.
Individual grants will rarely exceed $2000 per year and it usually takes less than $1000 to help a student finish a degree. Money for the grants is provided entirely by donations from private businesses and individuals to ASI.
The creation of the Student Support Grant was spurred by several CSU seniors' stories.
Emily, whose last name and major were not disclosed because of the university confidentiality policy, was only six credits from completing her Bachelor's degree but had exhausted her financial resources. Suddenly, her goal dropped out of sight.
However, with a grant of just $500 from CSU, Emily was able to pay for her classes and she is graduating in May.
Leaders of ASI said there are numerous scenarios that force students to drop out - some need to work to pay for classes or bills, others' parents have lost their jobs - and that the new "emergency fund" will help many to combat the effects of these scenarios and finish their degrees.
"The value of a college education is more important than ever, but for many students who are facing financial hardships, the dream of a CSU degree is suddenly in jeopardy," said Joyce Berry, vice president of CSU's Advancement and Strategic Initiatives.
The new grant, created this year, will help qualifying students in need once per year. Preference will be given to Colorado residents who are seeking a degree. Other requirements are that:
A student is enrolled at least half-time
Carries a 2.0 grade average
Must have applied for financial aid.
There is no application deadline and any student who has a need for the grant can go to the ASI office located in the Department of Business and Financial Services or call (970) 491-3403 to apply.
Individual grants will rarely exceed $2000 per year and it usually takes less than $1000 to help a student finish a degree. Money for the grants is provided entirely by donations from private businesses and individuals to ASI.
The creation of the Student Support Grant was spurred by several CSU seniors' stories.
Emily, whose last name and major were not disclosed because of the university confidentiality policy, was only six credits from completing her Bachelor's degree but had exhausted her financial resources. Suddenly, her goal dropped out of sight.
However, with a grant of just $500 from CSU, Emily was able to pay for her classes and she is graduating in May.
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