Student Emergency Funds

In an effort to help support students in achieving high graduation and staying in college at NC community colleges, Governor Roy Cooper announced the Finish Line Grant on July 12, 2018. Many times students are faced with unforeseen financial circumstances that can impact their graduation or enrollment. These funds will help students to overcome these financial barriers to completing their training and education.

The primary objective of the Finish Line Grant and Emergency funds are to resolve financial issues that students may encounter so they are able to focus on their studies.  

Finish Line Grant funds can be used for the following types of needs (plus others):

• Transportation: assistance may be provided to assist the student to get to the community college or other places that support WIDA activities.
• Tuition and Fees: assistance may be provided for students who have encountered financial hardship that has negatively impacted the student’s ability to pay for tuition and fees.
• Housing: assistance may be provided to students to maintain or obtain adequate or temporary shelter while participating in educational activities.
• Financial emergencies that prevent the payment of a utility bill (water, gas, and electric)
• Childcare or dependent care
• Financial emergencies that prevent the payment of a medical bill
• Accommodations for individuals with disabilities

Students who are experiencing an unforeseen emergency that do not qualify for the Finish Line Grant may qualify for funds through the Foundation’s Emergency Fund. See list of requirements.

Emergency Funds can be used for the following types of needs:

• Eviction due to unexpected loss of income (ex. layoff notice from employer)
• Disconnect of gas or other utility after student is first referred to power company emergency fund and Christian Help Center
• Child care if there is documentation showing potential loss of care and effort of finding future care
• Sudden lack of transportation due to car accident (police report required) or unexpected mechanical problems. For example, water pump, heat gasket, etc. Tire replacement is excluded as this is considered normal maintenance. Car repair bill must be dated within 7 days. Student should also present vehicle registration that matches the vehicle identification on the repair estimate
• Loss of books, computer, or course supplies/equipment after initial purchase, due to natural disaster, fire, or theft (police report required)
• Other needs related to college attendance will be considered on a case-by-case basis