Here is a note of thanks recently received from a WP College of Education student:

My name is Nadine and I am majoring in Elementary Education. The coronavirus has impacted me mentally, socially, but especially financially. I work with children and had to completely stop in March. Since then, I have started work again but there are not as many hours available as before. I’ve had to withdraw money from my college savings account that I worked very hard to earn, in order to pay my monthly bills. My mother is a nurse at Chilton Hospital. I know firsthand how hard things are on the front line. I try to do my best to help out my mother as much as I can. My family and I try extra hard to follow procedures and keep others and ourselves safe. Things are hard but we are pushing through it.  

I would really like to thank you and all the others who have donated to me and others who needed help to get by in this time of uncertainty. It is people like you who help our world go around and make it a better place for everyone. Thank you!

Thank you for your support and involvement! We're happy to share that nearly 700 students have received help through the Student Emergency Support Fund. The Committee has disbursed a total of $206,744 with grants ranging in size from $50 to $500. Students have used the funds to help purchase necessities such as prescription medicines, food, a portion of an utility bill and much more. 

As the oldest of three children, Caleb is used to juggling his homework and part-time job, while still finding time to care for his younger brothers. Caleb has always given most of paycheck to his parents for household expenses and keeps the remaining funds for clothes and other necessities. When Caleb's mother became sick with COVID-19, the family quickly worked out a plan to keep her isolated and assumed that within a few weeks she'd be back to work. However as an asthmatic, her conditioned quickly deteriorated and she was hospitalized. 

Happily, she is back at home but like many COVID survivors with underlying medical conditions, she struggles in carrying out simple household chores and isn't able to return to work immediately. Caleb contacted the Student Emergency Support Fund Committee with a request for a grant to help pay for food. . Caleb's dad continues to work full-time while Caleb took a leave of absence from his job to care for his mother and brothers. Caleb hopes to return to work soon.

Your contributions are a lifeline to students like Caleb and their families as they struggle financially. Your consideration and support are deeply appreciated.

*Name has been changed to protect the student's privacy.

As we begin the month of July, William Paterson students continue to benefit from your generous support. More than 460 students have received grants totaling nearly $135,000. Awards range from $120 to $500, with an average award of $293. 

Our students send their thanks and appreciation!

Thanks to the generosity of many, more than 300 William Paterson students have received grants for essential expenses to help them financially during this challenging time of COVID-19. The costs related to food, utilities, rent, medication and more have been funded through the incredible kindness of fellow Pioneer alumni and friends, as well as William Paterson faculty and staff with the average grant awarded of $285. 

Even as our students return to the workplace, or continue working, new applications are being submitted by those who are experiencing hardship. The Committee continues to closely evalute all applications, often requesting documentation and/or explanations to help them best understand each student's needs. Thank you for your partnership and showing your Pioneer Pride.

Jayden* is one of four children in his family's household, with three who are in college and one who is in high school.  His father, who was the primary earner for the family, had his hours cut as a result of the pandemic.  In addition to this family’s financial challenges, Jayden doesn't have his own computer and is only able to use a sibling’s laptop when it's not in use. He's appreciative of the grant provided by the Student Emergency Support Fund and used it to pay for food and a portion of an utiity bill.

*Name has been changed to protect student's privacy.

Making the transition from living on campus to moving back home was stressful for Kayla*.  She was laid off from her job near campus and it was a challenge to keep on top of her studies amidst packing and getting settled in the bedroom she shares with her two sisters. Shortly after moving home, Kayla's father was diagnosed with COVID-19 and has been unable to work. Her family is struggling to pay their rent and to buy groceries.Kayla wrote the Student Emergency Support Fund Committee for help in paying for basic expenses.

Due to the generosity of many, more than $77,000 has been raised to assist students like Kayla. Every dollar goes directly to a student in need, so you can rest assured knowing that your gift is having the maximum impact possible. 

*Name has been changed to protect the student's privacy.

When Student Emergency Support Fund applicant, Michelle, moved from her on-campus housing to her family home, she found herself sharing space with eight family members.  No one in her household is working due to the pandemic.  This student asked for support to help her to buy groceries, since she shared that she sometimes does not eat so her younger brother and cousins do not have to go without a meal. With the help of donors, the Committee was able to award Michelle a grant to purchase groceries.

Currently $76,048 has been raised for the Student Emergency Support Fund and more students need help. If you haven't made a gift yet, we encourage you to consider lending your support. Gifts of all sizes will be gratefully received and wisely used.

*Name has been changed to protect the student's privacy.

The Student Emergency Support Fund Committee has been busy reading applications from William Paterson students and awarding grants. As of today, a total of 256 students have been selected to receive a total of $73,017. Awards range from $120 to $500,  with an average award amount of approximately $285.

More than 1,200 applications have been received and the Committee continues to meet on a regular basis to carefully assess each application. Every dollar raised goes directly to a student in need. 

Thank you for the continued outpouring of support and good will! Our students are grateful for the assistance from the WP community and send their sincere thanks. Despite many challenges, they are determined to persevere. 

Here is the story of Angel, who recently received a grant from the Student Emergency Support Fund: 

Angel resides with his mother, who is a cancer survivor and at high-risk for contracting a severe form of COVID-19.  She is unable to work and he lost his job due to the pandemic. The struggle to pay for rent and groceries weighs heavily on his mind.  He shared that, while he still hopes to graduate in May, he is scared of not passing his classes because he is so worried and focused on trying to help his mother to pay for their household expenses.

*Name has been changed to protect the student's privacy.

The Student Emergency Support Fund Committee continues to receive new requests daily. Every application is carefully reviewed and thoughtfully considered. Recent grants were awarded to:

• Brittany resides with her mother who is a first responder and was recently hospitalized for COVID-19. The student became unemployed due to the pandemic and is home by herself. She requested assistance in purchasing groceries.
• Until the pandemic hit, Katelyn worked the third shift. It enabled her to attend classes and care for her three year old son. The employment agency which placed her in the job is now closed and she's been unable to find another third shift job. She asked for helpin paying her rent and utilities. Without access to the internet, she won't be able to complete the semester. 
• Prior to the pandemic, Michael worked part-time and helped his parents out with household expenses and the cost of his mother's medication. In March, the student's employer was forced to close and his father was hospitalized for a non-COVID medical issue and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. The student hasn't been able to find a new job and has used his savings which he planned to use for summer tuition classes. He requested help with his family's rent and utlility bills.

*Names have been changed to protect each student's privacy.

As of today:

• Over 175 donors have raised $65K for our WP students through our Student Emergency Support Fund campaign.
• To date, 220 students have been awarded $62,330 with an average award amount of approximately $283 per student.
• We have received 997 applications for students in need and we are disbursing funds on an ongoing basis.