Miscellaneous student needs

Many of our students are presented with obstacles that can make obtaining their education difficult. The Friends are dedicated to enabling learning for our students, whatever the circumstances.

The Friends use part of our Student Success Fund to help with unexpected costs for students that may inhibit their educational attainment. These needs are handled on a case-by-case basis, but are often some of the most individually impactful funds we give.

One of the most common ways in which we deploy funds, is by waiving fees. Citizenship application fees ($785), HiSET high-school equivalency exam fees ($110), Certified Nursing Assistant exam fees ($110), and foreign high-school diploma translation fees ($50) are all common expenses students encounter on their journeys. In some cases, students are not in the financial position to put these types of funds towards their future - The Friends do not want any student’s journey to be held up due to expensive fees, so students in difficult positions often are referred to The Friends for assistance.

While fee waivers are a common use of these flexible funds, The Friends have supported students in more personalized ways as well. One student had an unexpected $500 car repair bill, and was not able to attend class or work until he paid it. The Friends used these funds to cover his car bill, so he could continue to work, support his family, and pursue his education.