In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic many people have suffered from financial struggles. Students at UMKC have been no exception.
UMKC hasn’t left them out in the cold, though. Providing relief through the Student Emergency Fund, the financial aid office has helped distribute more than $90,000 to over 100 students. The fund, which can be used to help pay school expenses or living expenses like food and rent, is available only to those who have exhausted all other federal loan options prior to applying.
UMKC student Gillian Campbell received aid from the emergency fund earlier this spring. In an interview with 41 Action News, Campbell discussed how the funds helped her when she was in dire straits. Following coronavirus shutdowns, she lost her job at a bar in the Power and Light District, just before crowds were set to flock in for the Big-12 basketball tournament.
“That was supposed to be a huge money-making opportunity for me,” Campbell said when talking about the Big-12 tournament that was also shutdown. “I was going to pay for all of my bills for the month of March and the month of April.”
After she received a check to the tune of $855 from UMKC, Campbell was able to make ends meet in a desperate time.
“So not only did I pay the month of April, I was able to pay the month of May. So while I’m finishing out these last couple weeks of school, I don’t have to worry about, am I going to have a roof over my head?” said Campbell.
UMKC Provost Jenny Lundgren spoke to UMKC Today about the need for just such a fund.
“We recognize that the effects of COVID-19 are not only physical, but economic,” said Lundgren. “Based on the demand, we were relieved to be able to provide critical assistance to our students in need.”
Currently, the fund is out of money to distribute, but those in the financial aid office hope to be able to give more soon. The university is still urging those who need the aid to apply, so they can distribute funds whenever they have them.
If students are in need, they can apply at:
