|
The AIEF Emergency Funds Program provides modest grants to selected* colleges, universities, and technical schools in the Plains and Southwest states. These institutions can then provide assistance to students when unexpected expenses threaten their ability to stay in school. (See below for priority states.)
PLEASE NOTE!
AIEF does not award Emergency Funds directly to individuals. The grants are distributed only by participating colleges, universities, or technical/vocational schools. If you are a Native American student in need of emergency assistance, please talk to your on-campus advisor. |
Public and tribal institutions may apply for the competitive grants for up to three years. Currently, 15 partner schools receive annual grants of $4,000, which they can distribute to full-time students. Recipients must volunteer three hours in the school or community as compensation for the awards. In 2005 and 2006, 98% of students who received the emergency funds were able to complete the semester.
 |
| Public and tribal institutions can apply to participate in the AIEF Emergency Funds program.
| AIEF recognizes that acute financial need can arise from many sources such as illness or injury, loss of a part-time job, or the need to pay for vehicle repairs, utility hook-ups, or books and lab fees. Because the AIEF funds are distributed through each school’s Native student center, recipients can also find mentoring, counseling, and other support.
For example, a student in Oregon faced a deeply challenging personal situation when his mother died unexpectedly, and he turned to his student advisor for help. The school’s grant from AIEF provided funding for him to attend his mother’s funeral, and he was then able to return to school and continue his studies. The AIEF Emergency Funds Program has helped many students such as this, because a small financial boost can be all it takes to help a Native American student succeed in college.
|
Here are some Success Stories from the AIEF Emergency Funds Program.
“I am writing this letter in regards to the emergency fund that I received through the diversity program. I received four hundred dollars that was used towards my rent. I had broken my ankle and was out of work. I was a full-time student and also a mother of two. Without the help of the emergency fund I would have had to leave school and find work to pay my rent. Thank you very much for your generosity, it was a blessing.”
—Jada J.
“This emergency fund for me was timely and helpful. It was at a stage in my life when financial difficulties occurred. Having a small emergency fund like this seems insignificant yet, when a student is broke this means a lot. If the program wasn’t here I probably would have to drop out and work until I had enough resources.... Thanks a million!”
—Shane S. |
| 
