PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College students facing sudden, unforeseen expenses will be able to apply for emergency funding that can help carry them through to degree completion, thanks to a recent grant award.
The State Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG) Program, recently established by HB 1893, allows the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges 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 even remain enrolled in college.
The SEAG program is funded from the beginning of this month through June 30, 2021, with more than $1.4 million available statewide.
Peninsula College students will be able to draw from a $100,000 grant over the next two years, according to a press release from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.
Clallam and Jefferson counties have poverty levels and unemployment rates above the statewide average and 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, the release said.
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 similar 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,” said Jack Huls, vice president for student services at Peninsula College.
Students can use program funds to buy food or pay for transportation, child care or other goods or services required for them to attend class.
Students must submit SEAG requests in writing. Approved requests must be disbursed within four business days of application submission.
For more information, call Huls at 360-417-6225.
