The Student Emergency Fund helps Northern Illinois University (NIU) students by providing immediate short-term financial support when unpredictable emergencies put their continued education at risk. The primary purpose of the fund is to improve student retention when unforeseen occurrences impact a student’s ability to stay in college and complete their educational goals.
The fund provides critical dollars that assist with needs such as housing insecurity, medical expenses, food, utilities, and technology. The Student Emergency Fund was established during the pandemic and has helped over 3,600 students with immediate needs to persist at NIU in their pursuit of a college degree. Student Emergency funding has also be used to create Wi-Fi and Transportation Grants allowing for specific support to help students pay Wi-Fi bills and transportation costs to NIU sponsored clinicals, internships and student-teaching opportunities.
“Receiving this grant helped me support myself and my children while attending school and allowed me to help focus on my studies. As the single adult in my household, the financial burden rests solely on my shoulders, and the grant helped with financial obligations while my children and were participating in remote learning.” --NIU student, Early Education
“This grant will make a huge difference in my ability to stay where I am and in school. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." --NIU Student, Electrical Engineering
“I just wanted to take time to say that I am beyond grateful for the assistance I was granted. The money will help me focus on my studies for the remainder of the semester. Thank you to everyone who is part of the center for student assistance.” --NIU Student, Accountancy
