How Emergency Aid works

Students at Shoreline can apply for emergency aid when they face sudden, urgent and unexpected financial issues that could impact their ability to continue with school. The College can help when these issues come up, as we have access to various grants that are earmarked for student support – for transportation, groceries, childcare, books and course materials, and even rent.

Because our emergency aid funding programs are relatively new, there has been understandable confusion around how funding is approved, and how students can access the funds. Below is a step by step guide, useful for anyone – staff, faculty and students:

  1. Students can click here to apply for emergency aid.
  2. It’s important that students carefully read the instructions. They must describe their sudden, urgent and unexpected situation. Students should refrain from AI use in their responses, as it’s very transparent and may lead to denial of the request.
  3. An application review committee meets weekly to discuss and score the applications. This committee is made of 5 members from 3 campus offices. The committee will provide a full award, a partial award, or will deny the student’s request.
  4. When awarded funds to address their emergency, a student will retrieve those funds the way they would retrieve any financial aid coming from the College – through Bankmobile.
  5. If a student is denied, they will receive a message with information about their options. They should not reapply without first meeting with Benefits Hub staff. Staff and faculty with any questions should contact BH manager Ted Johnson at wjohnson@shoreline.edu.

Thanks for reviewing this process and you’re welcome to send me any questions. Please always encourage students to visit the Benefits Hub if they could use free food, clothing and hygiene items, or have other basic needs concerns. 

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