DARKE COUNTY – Beginning on March 21, Edison State Community College will offer grants of up to $500 each to help low-income students weather financial emergencies. Students can apply for small grants to help cover expenses just beyond their means, which allows them to quickly return focus to their academic pursuits.

“Even the best planning can’t address unforeseen emergencies that can take students’ time, energy, and focus away from their studies. These grants add another tool to the already plentiful resources that Edison State provides to give students the best chance to succeed. The quick delivery of the funds, combined with not having to worry about how and when to pay back the dollars, combine to make this the best possible method and delivery of just-in-time financial support,” said Scott Burnam, Edison State Vice President of Student Affairs.

The student emergency grant program at Edison State is made possible by a $17,500 Dash emergency grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation. Edison State is one of 31 community and technical colleges in Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin that received a combined $1.5 million in Great Lakes grants to build emergency grant programs that help low-income students overcome financial obstacles that might otherwise cause them to drop out.

“Great Lakes is pleased to provide more resources to colleges like Edison State that are dedicated to supporting students in times of greatest need,” said Richard D. George, President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes. “Emergency grants are a bridge to college completion and the financial security a degree can provide.”

Qualified expenses will be paid within 48 hours of an approved application. Students also will be referred to additional campus, community, and financial literacy resources to supplement the grants, address root causes or contributing factors to the financial emergencies, and further support students’ persistence.

To serve greater numbers of students throughout the Great Lakes grant period and beyond, Edison State will contribute matching funds during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 academic years. “Our shared commitment is key to making emergency grant programs sustainable long-term,” said Amy Kerwin, Vice President – Community Investments at Great Lakes.

Edison State students may access additional information online at https://edisonohio.dreamkeepers.org.