Kent State University announced the creation of the Kent State Emergency Grant Fund that will help students who are unexpectedly finding themselves in financial need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our students need us now more than ever,” said Kent State President Todd Diacon. “I am confident that our Golden Flash family will answer that call, because despite the uncertainty we are all facing at this time, there is one thing that remains constant: Flashes take care of Flashes.”
More than $15,800 was raised within 24 hours of the fund’s launch via the president’s March 26 email to all university alumni.
With the recent shift to remote learning for the remainder of the semester and other challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, some students and their families are encountering unexpected financial challenges associated with travel, food, housing, technology needs and, in some cases, lost wages by both the student and parents.
”These funds will help students who need it most and will keep them on track to their ultimate goal: graduation,” said Steve Sokany, Kent State vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the Kent State University Foundation. “Perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder to our students that we are here for them. They are a part of our Kent State family, and we are in this together.”
In order to distribute funds quickly and efficiently, Kent State has streamled the application process. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the current semester who are experiencing a financial need and who are attending any of the university’s eight campuses may apply.
Recently, Kent State students shared their personal experiences with COVID-19, and how the support from the Kent State Emergency Grant Fund helped them pay for rent, groceries, technology to finish classes and other necessities. Read their stories here.
Those interested in supporting this fund can visit the Kent State Emergency Grant Fund giving page.
Students applying for assistance from the fund should complete the online application form. (Please Note: Applications for Spring 2020 are now closed. The application is open to students enrolled in the current semester.)