BY CORIE LYNN
With schools and businesses closing, many people, whether they are in Hays or across the country, find themselves in difficult positions. Many have lost jobs or have been furloughed. For college students, circumstances such as these make it difficult or impossible to continue their schooling.
At Fort Hays State University, this is where the Student Emergency Assistance Fund comes into play.
“The fund was established around 10 years ago to provide immediate assistance to students who have exhausted all other forms of financial assistance,” said Student Government Association President Brad DeMers.
The fund, he explained, is available to both on-campus and online students at Fort Hays. Students in need can apply online. A committee within the SGA then receives the applications, reviewing them and following procedures to determine how to disperse funds to students.
According to DeMers, the committee had reviewed 21 applications as of Monday and awarded $3,000 to students. They still have 100 applications to review, as of Tuesday, and donations to the fund are still coming in.
“We now have around $13,000 to award due to some more donations,” DeMers said.
At present, there is a crowdfunding campaign to help the SEA Fund reach its goal of $25,000 to continue assisting students during this turbulent time. Anyone, whether they are a community member or student themselves, can donate.
“I continue to be amazed by the willingness of FHSU supporters to step up in a time of need and donate $5, $20 and even $500. Every dollar you give, matters in a time like this,” DeMers said.
While it’s important to help one another, students must also remember to reach out to those around them if they are struggling.
“I would just like students to know that we are here and ready to help you. My goal is to give our every dollar that we receive to our students,” he said. “Please consider applying.”