The Southeast Community College Educational
Foundation created the SCC COVID-19
Student Emergency Fund to support SCC students and their families who are in
need of emergency funds as a result of the global COVID-19 health crisis.
Donations will support students struggling
with hunger, lack of childcare, inability to pay for medical costs, housing,
and other necessary bills such as electricity and heat. Donations will allow SCC to act quickly to
student needs as they arise.
“SCC students, like all other community members, are
experiencing significant barriers in their lives at this moment,” said Jack. J.
Huck, Foundation Director. “In addition to basic living needs these students
are completing their coursework for the semester in a remote setting, many
times without the necessary support, technology, space and expertise.
Short term emergency financial assistance can be of assistance in
completing their coursework successfully for this semester.”
Gifts can be made
through the following link:
https://www.southeast.edu/covid-19-student-emergency-fund-donation/
Students struggling often face the following challenges
that could negatively impact their education:
* FOOD
INSECURITY: Nationally, 50% of community college students report food
insecurity. That’s likely to get worse as unemployment rises.
* LOSS
OF INCOME: 83% of SCC students work at least part time. Those with customer-facing
jobs, such as our students who work in food service, are the likeliest to lose
those jobs, and with it their ability to afford rent and utilities.
* CHILD
CARE EXPENSES: 15% of SCC students have children who live with them and/or
depend on them for care. Those who lose their jobs also lose their income for
childcare. This forces students to choose between leaving their children
unsupervised while they attend classes, or abandoning college altogether.
* MEDICAL
EXPENSES: Students who contract COVID-19 or have other health problems may
choose not to seek treatment because they can’t afford it. Others who do
receive healthcare may have medical bills they can’t afford.
* TECHNOLOGY:
Students who lack updated technology may not be able to access SCC’s online
delivery model. They may be unable to stay enrolled.
For more on the emergency fund, contact Jack
J. Huck at jhuck@southeast.edu
or Rick Blessen at rblessen@southeast.edu.