UTRGV Student Emergency Fund helps students in need

Various buildings around the UTRGV Brownsville Campus – the set also includes images of buildings on the TSC Campus that UTRGV rent to use for classes.
BioMedical Research Building courtyard
UTRGV Photo by David Pike

By Amanda A. Taylor, UTRGV

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – APRIL 15, 2020 – In these unprecedented times, people across the country have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – and that includes college students.

To help relieve some of the financial burden students face, UTRGV recently announced the UTRGV Student Emergency Fund.

“Our students need our support now more than ever,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. “We must not allow the educational goals of our students to be compromised by housing and food insecurities, loss of income, emergency travel expenses or any other unforeseen financial challenges.”

The fund, which provides limited financial assistance for currently enrolled UTRGV students, is a last-resort assistance plan for students experiencing an emergency or sudden, unforeseen event – such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund helps students stay enrolled and focused on their academic career. Award amounts vary and can only be awarded once a year. Each disbursement decision is granted on a case-by-case basis.

The funds will assist students with needs that include:

• Food – Increased expenses due to having children at home.

• Childcare – With schools and daycares closed, helps pay for childcare so students can focus on online classes.

• Housing – Meet rent/mortgage due to loss of wages, job loss or reduction of hours.

• Utilities – Internet, electricity, water due to loss of wages, job loss or reduction of hours.

• Laptop – To assist with online learning.

“In less than two weeks, we have received more than 175 gifts that have totaled more than $31,000,” said Kelly Scrivner, EVP for Institutional Advancement. “These times are difficult for