The Student Emergency Fund gives immediate financial help to students experiencing an emergency, so they can continue their progress towards a certificate or degree.
Since the student emergency fund program began in 2008, we have awarded $203,735 in emergency grants to 290 students.
Who It Helps
Many recipients of the Student Emergency Fund have been homeless, lost family members, or had homes destroyed by fire. Many students have been unable to afford afford food for their families or have been victims of violent crimes. Despite their hardships, these students remained determined to finish the education they started at Los Rios.
"I can get through the day because I know I have somewhere safe to sleep at night."
Brittany Tipton
Student / Fire Technology and Paramedic / Veteran / American River College
Brittany Tipton didn’t believe she was cut out for college. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to go to college, I didn’t think I would be able to get through college, so I joined the Marine Corps, ended up blowing out my knee and came home. [The Marine Corps] changed the way I thought about the world, the way I thought about myself as a person.”
After Brittany returned home, she decided to enroll in American River College, in large part because of the large veteran population. She credits much of her success so far at ARC to Mike Robinson and the Veterans Resource Center. “Mike Robinson is a huge support at ARC. I wouldn’t still be in school without him. [The] Veterans Resource Center helps students all the way through. Not many colleges have that.”
Despite the support she received from the Veterans Resource Center, Brittany unexpectedly found herself homeless and faced with the choice of paying bills or buying food. She applied for a grant from the Veteran Student Emergency Fund and was awarded $450 to help her buy food and move into safe housing. It allowed her to stop stressing and be able to focus on school.
“I encourage anyone who needs it to apply. Without that boost, I wouldn’t have been able to stay in school full-time and work full-time,” says Brittany. “I can get through the day because I know I have somewhere safe to sleep at night.”
Brittany expects to finish her degrees in Paramedics and Fire Technology in a few years, and then hopes to get hired at a Fire Department. With a few years of experience under her belt, she then plans to take the investigators exam.
Emergency Fund for Veterans
In addition to the general student emergency fund, we also have an emergency fund specifically for veterans. When you donate, let us know if you would like your donation to directly support veterans.
Give Today!
We need generous partners like you to ensure our students' struggles end in success! Please consider donating to this crucial program today.
Are You a Student?
Learn how to get help from the Student Emergency Fund.