With the awarding of grants from the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates and the Sisters of Notre Dame, Mercy College funding is available for Mercy College of Ohio students who may experience an unforeseen financial obstacle.
The Dash emergency grant is available through funding from the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates and the college. Students who experience an unexpected bill or expense can now apply for up to a $1,000 one-time Dash emergency grant. Great Lakes awarded $7.2 million in Dash Emergency Grants to 32 four-year colleges in six states.
Mercy College of Ohio students are eligible if they are enrolled in at least six credit hours during the semester in which the Dash emergency grant is requested, are an undergraduate with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $7,000 or less, and in a degree-seeking program. Students must apply for the grant. If approved, funds are distributed to the third-party within 48 hours.
For students whose needs might include gas and food, Mercy College is able to offer assistance thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Congregational Fund Committee of the Sisters of Notre Dame (SND). The grant funds will be used to provide immediate assistance of gas and food gift cards to Mercy College students in need.
Sister Sally Marie Bohnett, SND, Director of Campus Ministry and Service Learning at Mercy College, submitted the college’s application for the grant. “One of the College’s core values is to serve and that means serving our students, our community, and each other,” she said. “This grant allows us to serve by helping in some of the most basic ways while contributing to the long-term success of our students.”
In 2015, with $3,000 in support from SND Congregational Funds, Mercy College set up a restricted fund solely for gift cards to buy groceries and gas. Cards were purchased valuing $50 each, and were given one or two at a time, depending upon the level of need. The same structure is planned for the recent $5,000 grant. Students who may be in need of assistance are referred by Mercy College faculty and staff.
Mercy College of Ohio is a Catholic institution sponsored by Mercy Health. It focuses on healthcare and health science programs in both on-campus and online formats. Mercy College offers a Graduate degree, Bachelor’s degrees, Associate degrees, and Credit Certificate programs. More information is available at mercycollege.edu.