The Student Care and Emergency Response Fund (SCERF) provides micro-grants of up to $500 for undergraduate and graduate students experiencing financial hardship. These grants are often a critical source of support for students juggling multiple competing financial priorities. Even when financial aid covers tuition expenses, students are often left to cover the cost of other necessities. Many students work to cover living expenses, but living on a tight budget or encountering unforeseen expenses can threaten their ability to remain in school and graduate. These challenges may push students into economically precarious circumstances and many students will be forced to make difficult choices that could derail their student goals of earning a university degree.
SCERF funds will help students cover expenses associated with:
• Food and housing
• Medical and basic health needs
• Childcare
• Unexpected travel or transportation needs
• Navigating family concern
• Technology needs for academic success
Please consider helping UMass students today.