One year after the world entered a global pandemic, students are facing financial insecurities more than ever.
There is a lack of access to resources such as food, housing, health care, technology, transportation, personal hygiene, and childcare, reported by the #RealCollege2021 survey.
Students who qualified for higher education pandemic assistance approved by the federal government received the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA), the second federal COVID-19 stimulus bill for higher education institutions and students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
Temple believes this round of COVID-19 relief funding can make a strong difference in ensuring students can continue their education without the stress of financial instability.
A disbursement total of $14,550,985 was given to students who are enrolled in the 2021 Spring Semester.
Temple students who are Federal Pell Grant recipients received a $1,000 Temple HEERF II grant each.
Other students in need, who were identified through their Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) filing, received an $815 Temple HEERF II grant each.
There is a remaining fund that will be allotted to 200 students studying over at Temple’s Japan Campus.
Namaijah Faison, a senior Public Health major, is one of many Temple students who needed financial assistance during the pandemic.
The pandemic has put a significant amount of financial stress on Namaijah and other students.
“I did struggle with paying my financial aid, I am more of an independent student I do and pay for everything myself. That was a bit of a challenge, the extra funds provided by the government and Temple helped me out,” said Namaijah.
Namaijah agrees the Covid-19 relief funding is helpful to students, but believes recurring payments could be more beneficial to students.
“I feel like the government should have more recurring payments students just because again some people may not have a job while going through that transition. I feel like government funds would be very helpful and just make the process a lot smoother for students”, said Namaijah.
Temple’s Hope Center for College is an action research center focused on securing student’s basic needs and establishing an ecosystem of accessible resources.
The Hope Center for College conducts an annual survey identifying the challenges students face towards making it to graduation.
Sarah Magnelia, a Research Project Manager at The Hope Center for College, says “Temple participated in the real college survey this year and they also participated last year. They’re also a part of a coalition we have consisting of local colleges and community organizations focused on securing students’ basic needs.”
Three in five college students experience basic needs insecurity due to the financial difficulties influenced by COVID-19, according to a survey by The Hope Center for College.
The #RealCollege2021 survey identified that housing insecurity was one of the biggest financial challenges for students.
“They were moving more often and they were having more trouble paying their rent or for those who own homes their mortgages and also paying utility bills. So, some of that we think is a result of the pandemic”, said Sarah Magnelia, Research Project Manager, The Hope Center for College.
The students who received funding only made up 35% of Temple’s study body and there is still a generous amount of students who can use financial assistance through this time of uncertainty, reported by the #RealCollege2021 survey.
If you are a student in need of financial assistance and didn’t qualify to receive government funding, you may seek support from The Hope Center for College, the Student Emergency Aid Fund, the Broad Street Finish Line Grant, and the Cherry Pantry.
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