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We received ~1k applications for our COVID-19 emergency aid fund from college students in SoCal. We've given funds to students at >40 schools.
We want to share what we've heard from our applicants.
Not surprisingly, students are getting screwed.
cc: @hope4college @RiseFreeOrg
We want to share what we've heard from our applicants.
Not surprisingly, students are getting screwed.
cc: @hope4college @RiseFreeOrg
Context: We are an emergency aid fund for college students in SoCal. Our low-hassle grants help students who have exhausted their on-campus options.
Any enrolled student can apply regardless of status, hours, or Title IV.
Some numbers (all data self-reported):
Any enrolled student can apply regardless of status, hours, or Title IV.
Some numbers (all data self-reported):
#1: Students at community colleges need lots of support.
63% of our applicants attend 2-year schools.
20% attend the UC system.
The crisis affects all levels of students.
63% of our applicants attend 2-year schools.
20% attend the UC system.
The crisis affects all levels of students.
#2: Students are supporting family as well as themselves.
50% of applicants are trying to figure out how to support family while finishing the semester: parents, siblings, etc.
15% specifically requested funds for supplies for their children.
50% of applicants are trying to figure out how to support family while finishing the semester: parents, siblings, etc.
15% specifically requested funds for supplies for their children.
#3: Job loss is ubiquitous.
53% report dealing with losing a job, having reduced hours, or having a family member facing reduced employment.
Universal theme: There aren't other jobs to apply to. Hustling doesn't help.
53% report dealing with losing a job, having reduced hours, or having a family member facing reduced employment.
Universal theme: There aren't other jobs to apply to. Hustling doesn't help.
#4: Students need money for basics, not luxuries.
33% of applicants cite food as their biggest need.
58% need money for rent.
9% need money for technology to attend class.
17% need money for transportation.
9% need money for medical expenses.
And many list more than one.
33% of applicants cite food as their biggest need.
58% need money for rent.
9% need money for technology to attend class.
17% need money for transportation.
9% need money for medical expenses.
And many list more than one.
#5: Unemployment Insurance can't always help.
50% of applicants report that they are not eligible for UI due to status or work restrictions.
50% of applicants report that they are not eligible for UI due to status or work restrictions.
We will continue to disburse funds to our waitlist and share opportunities for food and money via Twitter throughout the Spring and Summer.
Thank you to @hope4college @BelieveStudents @SupportGenHope @SwipeHunger @LAVCFRC @sdmesacollege and all the other orgs fighting to get $$$ to college students.
