Penn State Abington Emergency Assistance Fund provides critical aid to students who are struggling to overcome unexpected financial challenges, according to a staff report from the Penn State News.

The fund has proven to be an invaluable resource to many students, especially during a pandemic, according to Carole Eiben, director of financial aid. She said that her office has received an influx of requests since the outbreak began from students who were incurring unexpected expenses they could not afford due to cuts in hours.

“We helped 24 students since March with requests that were almost all related to COVID-19 financial disruptions,” she said. “We spent $12,500 in emergency grant funds. The surge in activity was made possible through generous donations, which are still being accepted.”

Among the grant recipients was Cassie Fishburn, a full-time student who also worked as an insurance agent 40 hours per week before the pandemic. When COVID-19 hit, she was unable to work for two months and had no resources to fall back on as an independent student.

“The money helped with rent, utilities, food, and needed necessities,” she said.

Read more about the emergency assistance fund at the Penn State News by clicking here.

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