Student Emergency Support Fund

Heidelberg University’s emergency aid program (formerly known as the DASH Grant) provides assistance to undergraduate students at risk of dropping out of college due to unexpected financial emergencies. This assistance was created to help students stay in college and meet their educational goals, ultimately, securing a better financial future.

Eligible expenses include: Assessments for disabilities, child care, food/meals, gas, housing/rent, medical/dental expenses, personal automobile expenses, personal hygiene items, public transportation/bus pass, utilities

Ineligible expenses include: Alcohol, books, entertainment expenses, fees, legal fees, tobacco, tuition

Note: If you do not meet one or more of the eligibility requirements below, please contact the Program Administrator via the contact information in the Application Process section to discuss your situation and options.

Eligibility

• Eligible undergraduate students need to:
• Have an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of $7,000 or less
• Provide documentation of the financial emergency
• You may receive only one emergency grant through this program of no more than $1,000 during your time at Heidelberg.
• Assistance is granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, gender expression, disability or national origin.

Application Process

Interested students must complete the screening form (https://forms.gle/pgJ9kKUdjcGZHnp59)and contact Dawn Wright to set up an appointment with a member of the committee: Chris Abrams, Dean of Student Affairs; John Sharp, Associate Director of Stoner Health & Counseling Center; Douglas Stoll, Coordinator of Student Disability Services; and Paul Sittason Stark, Chaplain and Director of Religious Life and Civic Engagement. You will be given information to create an online account and submit an application. Documents to support your request (bills or estimates, etc.) are required to complete your application. Contact a Program Administrator with questions: Dawn Wright or Paul Sittason Stark.

Award Payments

Once the application is submitted, a decision will be made within two business days. If approved for funding, in most cases payment will be made payable to a third party. Payment type will be determined by the college on a case-by-case basis. In most cases, award payments will be available within two business days.