KENT, Ohio — Kent State University is helping students who find themselves in a financial rut during the novel coronavirus pandemic with the creation of the "Pay It Flash Forward Emergency Fund."
Within 24 hours of the university’s president sending an email to alumni, more than $15,800 was raised.
After the recent shift to remote learning, the university said students and their families are encountering unexpected financial challenges associated with housing, food and in some cases, loss of wages by students and parents.
”These funds will help students who need it most and will keep them on track to their ultimate goal: graduation,” said Steve Sokany, Kent State vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the Kent State University Foundation, in a news release. “Perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder to our students that we are here for them. They are a part of our Kent State family, and we are in this together.”
To release the funds to students as soon as possible, Kent State is streamlining the application process. Undergraduate and graduate students who are experiencing financial need and are attending any of the university’s eight campuses can apply.
The university said instructions on the application process will be released in the coming days.
Those interested in donating to fund can donate here.
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