Can you give to support the Student Emergency Fund?

April 26, 2020

There is no higher priority than the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Considering the challenges presented by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Western Washington University is taking significant steps to respond to our current reality and protect our campus community — including transitioning to a virtual instruction environment and encouraging social distancing.

People around the globe are being impacted by this pandemic, and we are sensitive to the effect that this might have on you and your family. 

We also recognize that many of our students will experience financial hardships during this difficult and uncertain time, especially considering so many retailers, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are closed.  These are the very businesses that provide part-time jobs to students working their way through school.

We have heard from many of you asking how you can help our students. Thank you for asking! 

Your gift to the Student Emergency Fund will directly benefit Western Washington University students and provide relief for financial hardships such as:

  • Housing and food insecurity

  • Travel expenses related to returning home

  • Technology needs to ensure students can access virtual learning

  • Scholarship support for tuition and fees

  • Other unforeseen financial challenges

  • All students are eligible for these funds, including undocumented students. This is especially critical since undocumented students are not eligible for the CARES Act aid. 

In any time of crisis, the Western Washington University community responds with grace and generosity — exemplifying our core values of being student-centered, inclusive, compassionate, respectful, and optimistic. 

Thank you for your help protecting and supporting the educational and financial needs of our students. We wish you and your families the very best as we work together to care for our community.

“Due to Covid-19, Western has gone completely online. While I am so glad that I get to continue with my classes, I have found myself with little to no access to my class work. This award will help me buy a laptop and not only help me in my classes for this quarter, but also for the upcoming school year. It’s been difficult to get to the library sometimes for computer access and this new laptop will make it much easier to complete my schoolwork. I am leaning towards becoming a teacher. As a first-generation college student, I have faced a lot of struggles navigating my way through, and I hope to become an educator who can make it easier for other kids to achieve their goals. Awards like these give me hope for the future. They show me that there are people who are willing to invest in education and help others succeed. Your generosity is inspiring.”

–Lesly Castro, Class of ‘22

 

For students looking to apply, please visit: http://www.finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships/media/applications/202020_Student_Emergency_Fund_Application.pdf.