Student Emergency Fund
When our students first arrive on campus, they do not anticipate that their circumstances may change. Unfortunately, unanticipated difficulties, from fires, temporary homelessness, injuries, and loss of family can become turning points for students, changing the course of their lives and delaying educational goals.
At American University’s School of Public Affairs (SPA), we see students encounter unforeseen catastrophic events in their lives outside of school which can create financial emergencies and put their educational goals in jeopardy. We do not want these issues alone, so we created the SPA Student Emergency Fund to assist students by providing immediate financial support in times of crisis such as illness, the death of a family member, medical emergency, or the need for emergency housing, food or transportation.. This fund will help students meet unforeseen financial emergencies that might otherwise prevent them from completing their education.
Students may apply for emergency grant assistance when other traditional methods of funding have been exhausted. This fund is not meant to replace existing financial aid and does not need to be repaid.
Expenses Covered
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Costs related to medical care, including medications
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Books and other essential academic expenses
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Safety needs (e.g. changing a lock)
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Assistance with replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
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Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family
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Assistance with rent, utilities, food and other essential household expenses
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Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs
Why should you give to the fund?
When you give to the SPA Student Emergency Fund, you give a student the chance to whether the financial and emotional toll of an emergency. You directly help students overcome temporary crises, remain focused on their education, and graduate on time with the skills necessary to make an impact in our community.
The number of students who can be served by the SPA Student Emergency Fund is subject to the availability of funds. The fund must be sustained by continual contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the school.
With your help, we can ensure that our students know that SPA has their best interests in mind; that above all else, their success and well-being propel AU into the future and prepare the next generation of public servants.