ACC awarded $30,000 grant to help students pay for unexpected expenses

Austin Community College was awarded a $30,000 Project Success: Emergency Fund Grant to help students who are facing unforeseen financial needs continue on their educational pathways.

The grant, awarded by Trellis Company in collaboration with Federal Student Aid, has helped 46 ACC students over the past year. The funds covered expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation repairs.

“For many low-income students, an unforeseen expense for something like a car repair will create a financial emergency that threatens their college hopes,” says Dr. Virginia Fraire, vice president of student services. “While typically not large expenses, they can be enough to force these students into a tough choice: Stay in college or pay the bill.”

Research has shown that when colleges quickly pay these unforeseen, emergency bills on behalf of students, more low-income college students stay enrolled and on track for graduation.

After receiving emergency grant funds, students have access to Trellis’ financial coaching program. Coaching sessions are individualized to the needs of each student, confidential, delivered virtually (via phone and video), and free.

For more information or to apply for help through ACC’s student emergency fund, visit the Student Emergency Fund webpage or call 512-223-7551.

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