Peninsula College gets student emergency funding grant

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Peninsula College students facing sudden and unforeseen expenses can now apply for emergency funding to help them as they pursue their studies, thanks to a recent grant award.

The State Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG) Program, administered by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, was created to provide immediate financial support to students who are experiencing an emergency that may impact their ability to attend class, focus on their studies or remain enrolled in college.

Peninsula college representatives say emergency support for students in the Peninsula College Service areas in Clallam and Jefferson counties is crucial to helping students in need stay in school and on track: the counties experience higher poverty levels than the statewide average of 10.3 percent (at 16.4 and 12.7 percent, respectively). The two counties also lag behind the 4.5 percent statewide unemployment rate (at 7 and 5.8 percent, respectively).

Among students attending Peninsula College, 40 percent of overall award-seeking students are low-income and 60 percent of financial aid students receive Pell grants, PC representatives note.

Program funds will be used to aid students with buying food, paying for transportation, child care or purchasing other goods or services required for them to attend class.

Students will submit SEAG requests in writing. Monies from approved requests must be dispersed within four business days of application submission.

In 2015, the Peninsula College Foundation initiated the “Finish Line Fund,” an emergency assistance grant designed to keep students within 20 credits of completion from having to drop out of school because of an emergency. This fund provides assistance for unexpected or sudden circumstances that result in unpaid expenses for things such as rent, car repairs, or utilities.

In addition, the “Get it Done Fund” was established in October 2017 in partnership with United Way of Clallam County to provide emergency assistance for students seeking a GED or High School Diploma at Peninsula College.

“While these programs have been a tremendous success, student need far outpaces our existing resources,” Jack Huls, Vice President for Student Services at Peninsula College said.

“This additional funding can have a potentially transformational impact in the lives of our students.”

SEAG programs are funded through June 30, 2021, with a total of $735,000 awarded annually across the state.

For more information, call Huls at 360-417-6225.