The Student Emergency Fund, created in record time by a team of faculty and staff who came together during the early days of the pandemic, emerged as a much-needed source of unrestricted support for undergraduate and graduate students at the School of Social Work.
In mid-March, as the COVID-19 crisis worsened, it became clear that students would be hard hit financially, whether from the loss of a part-time job, increased food and housing insecurities, or personal and family challenges. Just days after the governor issued the state-at-home directive, nine faculty and staff members met to plan and create the Student Emergency Fund. Applications were due April 9 with the awards announced April 15.
Dean Eddie Uehara called the staff response heroic, adding that “in these extraordinarily challenging times, our students’ safety, health and well-being are top of mind. We hope these super-human efforts will provide some relief for our deserving students.”
Within the first six weeks, 110 donors stepped forward, including alumni, faculty, staff and community members. Three long-time supporters—Casey Family Program, ERA Living and Seattle Children’s—quickly redirected their annual scholarship support to the emergency fund. The School matched all gifts up to $25,000.
By mid-May, $94,000 had been raised and 103 students received funding. The maximum award is $1,800, which can be used where needed—such as housing or living expenses, books and supplies, child care or unexpected medical costs. Even the award process was fast-tracked, averaging less than two weeks from application deadline to distribution of funds.
“We are so grateful to all who supported the Student Emergency Fund,” said Julie Sun, the School’s assistant dean for advancement. “When the pandemic struck, the majority of our students and their families faced immediate and unexpected financial challenges. Every contribution, no matter how small, was put to good use. A huge thank you to all our corporate sponsors, donors, alumni, faculty and staff.”
The student emergency fund is still accepting donations. If you would like to make a contribution, please go here.