April 6, 2020

Hello Mesa College Community,

San Diego Mesa College is determined to do all that we can to assist students through this difficult time. We know that alone, we will not be able to address all of their needs, however, we are committed to doing all that we can by connecting them with external resources; addressing their educational needs; helping them battle any feelings of isolation; and through modest financial resources. With this in mind, we are happy to announce the launch of Mesa College COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

Our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund is intended to help Mesa College students who are experiencing an unexpected financial hardship during this crisis. These funds are made available through the support and generosity of the San Diego Mesa College Foundation, Associated Students, the Office of Student Success and Equity, and generous donors. These funds are intended to support the academic goals of our students and decrease their risk of dropping out of classes or college. Awards will be funded up to $150. Students can receive a maximum of one award. Click here for more information.

If you are seeking to support students by donating to the Mesa College Student COVID-19 Emergency fund, click here.

Our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund and Support page also includes the following: 

• Campus and community and Resources

Click here to find helpful campus and community resources that can assist you with navigating your education, basic needs, and access to technology.

• Isolation Remediation

Feeling alone and afraid? Talk to a fellow student, you are a member of our community, we want to connect you. Please call 619-388-5726 or email mesathestand@sdccd.edu with your name and phone number, and one of our Peer Navigators and/or Ambassadors will follow up with you.

Thanks for all that you do to support our students! Please help us spread the word.

Best,

Ashanti Hands
Vice President, Student Services

Here is the Link to Apply for these funds.

April 3, 2020

Dear Student:

The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office notified California Community Colleges that one-time emergency grants are available to students in need, in response to COVID-19.

The following information and student FAQ was provided by the College Futures Foundation:

During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to help the most vulnerable students stay in school, earn their degrees, and build a better future for themselves and our communities.

The California College Student Emergency Support Fund has launched to give one-time $500 hardship grants to students.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for the California College Student Emergency Support Fund, students must:

• Be currently enrolled full-time (12+ units) as an undergraduate at a California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus
• Have earned at least 24 semester units or 36 quarter units (i.e., one academic year of coursework)
• Be low-income, with a maximum Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,576 (equivalent to eligibility for Pell Grant) or eligible for a California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver (formerly known as the BOG fee waiver)

After approval, students can expect to receive the money via electronic transfer within 72 hours.

How Can I Apply?

Students can apply for a grant online at bit.ly/covid-student-grant.

Applications and grant payments to students will be processed by MAF. MAF is a well-established non-profit organization that carried out a similar emergency fund effort in 2017 to pay for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients' renewal fees.

We encourage interested students to apply as quickly as possible as these funds will go fast.

It will help to have the following items at the ready: your transcript, financial aid eligibility (any financial aid statement or award letter that shows EFC or California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver), and electronic banking login information (not required).

How much money could I get?

Every approved applicant will receive a one-time grant of $500.

What can the money be used for?

The money can be used to pay for technology such as laptops and internet service, rent, or other living expenses. You will not be required to send in receipts.

How soon will I get a grant?

After approval, students can expect to receive the money by electronic transfer within 72 hours. We encourage interested students to apply as quickly as possible as these funds will go fast.

Is this fund administered by my college or university?

No. This funding is not connected to the financial aid provided by colleges and universities or state and federal programs. The Fund is a philanthropic effort supported by College Futures Foundation, Ballmer Group, Stuart Foundation, Tipping Point, Weingart Foundation, and others and administered by MAF.

Will my individual application information be shared or published?

The personal information you provide in your application will be kept confidential.

To determine if you have qualified for the one-time emergency grant, please visit mySDCCD to view unofficial transcripts, or under "My Financial Aid" for financial aid information.

 

Thank you,

Your Student Services Team